Women’s International Network Programme

Event Description

A brand new DBT Exporting Programme designed by women for women – the Women’s International Networking (WIN) programme – is now open for applications from NI women but only until Saturday 30 November.

Background on this event

• Following a successful pilot in the north of England, DBT is launching this programme across all of the UK.
• The 2025 programme has been designed with earlier participants’ feedback to increase the participation of women-led businesses in international trade via face-to-face education seminars, the development of business-specific export plans, business panel discussions and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.
• This event has been designed to help women discover how to access overseas markets, build confidence, bridge the influence gap and assist women-led businesses in developing a plan to internationalise their business – alongside a network of peers who are looking to do exactly the same.
• In Northern Ireland, we will run in-person events in January, February and March 2025 and then invite the women on an optional trade mission to Europe in April.
• We are aiming to get 10 women from NI selected initially, and if there are more who qualify we can look at upping that number.
• Anyone interested who meets the criteria (see FAQs below) can apply today at www.events.great.gov.uk/WIN-2025

NI Event FAQs

Why should female-led businesses join?

Because they will gain:

• Increased clarity in terms of business exporting direction

• Strategic tips to achieve personal and business goals

• Greater confidence in skills and abilities

• Enhanced pitching and communication skills

• Invaluable contacts and connections via an ongoing and supportive network of female peers
• Support from a pool of dedicated DBT Trade Advisers and Export Champions

What are the eligibility criteria? 

We are primarily targeting the 8 growth sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital & Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences and Professional and Business Services but other exceptional export-ready businesses will also be considered.

Businesses must be women-owned or led, be export-ready and have a turnover of at least £350K.

Why a programme just for female-led businesses? 

Studies have revealed a stark reality – far less female-owned and led businesses export than male-led ones. If women scaled businesses at the same rate as men, up to £250bn of new value could be added to the UK economy!

We know from the pilot that women found the relationships they have built via WIN to be game-changing for both their personal development and business growth.

What’s the cost? 

The Programme is free to join and includes access to all UK and overseas activities. Flights, accommodation and subsistence for the trade mission are not included, although discounted flight and accommodation rates may be available.

Join the programme here.

Register for Event