Enterprise Ireland this week launched a new 2020 action plan targeted at increasing the participation of women in senior leadership and strategic management positions across Irish businesses as well as encouraging more female entrepreneurs.

The 2020 action plan for women in business will aim to increase the number of women-led startups, which are growing internationally, increase the number of women in middle and senior management and increase the number of women becoming entrepreneurs.

Enterprise Ireland CEO Julie Sinnamon said shining a spotlight on existing successful female entrepreneurs encourages more female entrepreneurs. “If you can’t see it you can’t be it,” said Sinnamon.

Enterprise Ireland will also introduce a grant scheme for businesses to support middle and senior managers on a part-time basis. The semi state body believes this could have a big impact, attracting women back to senior and middle management roles after maternity leave.

Enterprise Ireland will also launch a series of funding calls targeted at women entrepreneurs and researchers.