'An incredibly rewarding experience': Limerick businesswoman gets grant from Visa
Sarah O’Sullivan n will get €10,000 in business funding, together with expert coaching, mentorship and additional resources to help power SOS Cookies
BALLYSHEEDY businesswoman Sarah O’Sullivan is celebrating after securing a grant from payments giant Visa.
Ms O’Sullivan, who founded SOS Cookies, headquartered at the Milk Market in the city centre, was one of the five winners of Visa’s She’s Next grant programme.
The scheme is aimed at closing the entrepreneurship gap and supporting more female business owners in Ireland.
The businesswoman will get €10,000 in business funding, together with expert coaching, mentorship and additional resources to help power SOS Cookies.
Established in 2020, SOS Cookies produces premium handmade cookies.
As well as by mail order, its products are available in cafes across the nation.
Speaking about the win, Ms O’Sullivan said: “Being a winner of Visa’s She’s Next grant programme has been an incredibly rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. Having a company like Visa back you and your business is an amazing feeling. The funding from the programme will help us to scale our production through new equipment, supporting further retail growth.
"Additionally, the pitch preparation sessions have been invaluable, equipping me with the skills and confidence to pursue future funding opportunities with even greater success. I'm looking forward to joining this fantastic network of female founders. I find as the years go by you learn so much from your network so it's incredible to be involved.”
Four other businesswomen received She’s Next grants.
They were Hannah Joyce, founder of Flexera, based in Dublin.
Although she hails from Mayo, she studied for her masters at University of Limerick.
Niamh Tallon, the co-founder of Her Sport, also based in the capital, secured €90,000.
Nicola Lyons and Elaine Crosse, the co-founders of Bánór hail from Cashel in Tipperary, and Sinead Burke.
They have all received €10,000.
This year’s overall winner, Meath woman Sinead Burke, who founded Tilting the Lens, was awarded a €50,000 grant, having successfully pitched her business to an independent panel of judges.
Ines Obtinalla, head of marketing, Ireland at Visa said: “Over the past five years, we’ve seen the impact that the right support can have, helping female founders across Ireland turn ambition into action through funding, mentorship, business coaching and networking opportunities.”