# Entrepreneurs Academy

> Founded by Joanne Hession in 1998, Entrepreneurs Academy delivers practical entrepreneurship and leadership training in Ireland. Its programmes combine business skills, mentoring and peer support for aspiring founders, microbusinesses, SMEs and social enterprises, often through public-sector and local-development partners.

- **Founded:** 1998
- **Headquarters:** Dublin, Ireland
- **Founders:** Joanne Hession (Founder & Director)
- **Products:** Kick Start Your New Business, Start Your Own Business, Thrive I and Thrive II, Social Enterprise Training, Leadership Development
- **Notable:** Operating since 1998., Homepage reports more than 80,000 people trained in Ireland; published totals vary., Reports training approximately 170 social enterprises across listed projects.

## Products & services

- **Kick Start Your New Business** — Fully funded, 14-week full-time programme, mainly online with 3-4 in-person sessions; successful learners earn QQI Level 5 Business Planning.
- **Start Your Own Business** — Practical training on idea validation, finance, marketing, sales and business planning; delivered with Local Enterprise Offices.
- **Thrive I and Thrive II** — Fully funded growth support for micro and social enterprises combining workshops, bootcamps, mentoring and peer groups. Thrive II targets businesses trading for two or more years.
- **Social Enterprise Training** — Bespoke workshops and programmes for social enterprises, including research, idea generation, digital marketing and growth support.
- **Leadership Development** — Leadership training, DISC, coaching, leadership games and mastermind formats for individuals and teams.

## Achievements

- Operating since 1998.
- Homepage reports more than 80,000 people trained in Ireland; published totals vary.
- Reports training approximately 170 social enterprises across listed projects.
- Established the Nancy Ward Circular Economy award in March 2024, offering €5,000 and mentoring.

## Latest updates

- **2026-03** — Dublin City Local Enterprise Office published a Joanne Hession speaker profile for its International Women’s Day event, crediting the Academy with supporting over 100,000 entrepreneurs.
- **2025-09** — DLR Local Enterprise Office listed an eight-week Academy-delivered Start Your Own Business course starting 25 September, with a €150 fee.
- **2025-04** — Academy hosted an online entrepreneurship introduction for Dublin Learning City on 7 April.
- **2025-03** — Noel Davidson led Fingal’s Local Enterprise Week start-up bootcamp on 3 March.

## Links

- Website: https://entrepreneursacademy.ie/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurs-academy-ireland/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/entre_academy
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2v9_mrDTM0VIMAC1b6PuMg
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entre_academy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EntrepreneursAcademyIreland/

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/entrepreneurs-academy
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-08