We are pleased and grateful to share that Tilting the Lens was named the overall winner of the 2026 Visa She’s Next Grant Programme.

The Visa She’s Next Grant Programme aims at closing the entrepreneurship gap, supporting women business founders through intensive expert pitch coaching and mentorship, and introducing them into an alumni of support. We had incredible mentoring support from Aimee Connolly, founder of Sculpted by Aimee; Breege O’Donoghue, former board member of Primark; and Gráinne Mullins, founder of Grá Chocolates.

In our application to the programme, we shared Tilting the Lens’ progress over six years, working with over 140 clients in 13 countries. And, on the community side, in 2026 so far, we’ve created 95 paid opportunities through our Research Hub, investing over €15,000 into the Disabled community.

“It was unexpected, and to put that comment into wider context: Disabled entrepreneurs are 400 times less likely to secure external investment than non-Disabled entrepreneurs. Yet, Disabled women are more likely to be self-employed (8%) compared to non-Disabled women (6%). This is often not by choice, but out of necessity. I hope Disabled female founders choose to apply for this programme, and that other companies create specific funding opportunities too.” – Sinéad Burke

We were very proud to see Tilting the Lens alongside four other great female founder brands as Flexera, founded by Hannah Joyce; Her Sport, co-founded by Niamh Tallon; Bánor founded by Nicola Lyons and Elaine Crosse; and SOS Cookies, founded by Sarah O’Sullivan.

The Awards lunch was attended by leaders from across the finance sector, and was addressed by both the Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Emer Higgins TD, and Oonagh O’Hagan, Managing Director of Meaghers Pharmacy. The event was ably hosted by Áine Kerr.

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