CurlyCo founder Denise Walsh with Conor Langford, Visa Ireland Country Manager and Aimee Connolly of Sculpted by Aimee, Visa's She's Next Ambassador
Visa has announced the five winners of its 2024 She’s Next Grant Programme in Ireland, with Kilkenny-based business, CurlyCo, among this year’s winners.
Denise Walsh’s CurlyCo haircare company was one of four businesses to receive a €10,000 business grant, while this year’s overall winner, Remi, received a €50,000 grant.
CurlyCo offers expert hair care solutions for individuals with curly hair.
With over 30 years of experience in the haircare industry, Denise brings personal insight and deep expertise to CurlyCo’s products, which are vegan, cruelty-free, and made in Ireland with locally sourced components.
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CurlyCo has partnered with 170 pharmacies nationwide and reached over 5,000 customers in its first year.
The company also hosts CurlyConsult events, providing tailored hair care and education for the curly-haired community.
On winning the prize, Denise Walsh, CurlyCo founder stated that it is 'an incredible feeling and a testament to our team’s dedication and vision for the business'.
"The funding alone will help us overcome manufacturing challenges, create starter kits and minis to reach a wider audience and elevate our events and masterclasses going forward," she said.
"The business coaching and mentorship opportunities are also a fantastic opportunity to tap into business experts who can offer us advice on enhancing our brand’s premium position in the market."
As well as the business grants, all five winners of the She’s Next Grant Programme will receive mentoring from entrepreneur and Visa’s She’s Next Campaign Ambassador, Aimee Connolly, founder of Sculpted by Aimee.
Additionally, they will benefit from business coaching provided by MentorsWork, an initiative by Skillnet Ireland in partnership with the Small Firms Association (SFA).
The prize also includes group pitch preparation sessions designed to equip winning businesses with the skills and confidence to excel when future funding opportunities arise.
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