TU Dublin Celebrates Record-Breaking Completion of All-Island Self-Employment Programme for Persons with Disabilities
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TU Dublin has marked the completion of a landmark all-island self-employment programme for people with disabilities, an initiative that has already helped to establish 16 start-ups and significantly boosted participants’ confidence in returning to the labour market. The University, in partnership with AIB and a range of national and cross-border stakeholders, celebrated the successful completion of this year’s cohort at a closing event attended by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley.
The programme represents a major milestone in inclusive entrepreneurship, having been delivered for the first time on an all-island basis. Since its launch in 2021, the course has supported 100 participants across five cohorts, resulting in 16 start-ups and over 90% of participants reporting increased self-confidence and self-empowerment in relation to returning to the labour market.
This year’s programme represents a major milestone, as it was the first time the course was made available to participants with disabilities across the entire island of Ireland, significantly widening access to inclusive entrepreneurial education.
The closing event featured a keynote address from Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, who praised the ambition, creativity and resilience of participants and highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic and social inclusion for people with disabilities.
The 2025 programme achieved its highest-ever number of applications, record levels of successful course completions, and the largest number of participant-led start-ups since the initiative began. These outcomes underscore the enormous untapped entrepreneurial potential within the disability community, when appropriate supports, education and opportunities are made accessible.
Professor Thomas Cooney, leader of the initiative at TU Dublin, emphasised the broader significance of the programme:
“This year’s programme has clearly demonstrated that entrepreneurial talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. By extending this course across the whole island of Ireland, we have shown what is possible when barriers are removed and people with disabilities are supported to explore self-employment on their own terms. The quality of ideas, the commitment of participants, and the number of new ventures emerging from the programme have been truly exceptional.”
The event opened with a welcome from Denis Doolan, AIB, followed by reflections from programme partners, including Richard Leeman, Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland), Tony Buckley, TU Dublin, Jeanne McDonagh, Open Doors Initiative, and the course lecturer, Breandán Ward.
Participants then showcased their entrepreneurial journeys through a series of video pitches and live business presentations, highlighting ventures at various stages of development and reflecting the diversity, innovation and ambition of the cohort.
The event concluded with the Minister’s address, the announcement of the overall winner, and the presentation of certificates to participants in recognition of their achievements.
The Online Self-Employment Course for Persons with Disabilities is a flagship example of TU Dublin’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, cross-sector collaboration, and impact-driven education. The success of the 2025 programme reinforces the case for continued investment in tailored entrepreneurial supports that enable people with disabilities to create sustainable businesses and meaningful livelihoods.