Our InnovateHer Programme, facilitated by SU Enterprise, wrapped up on February 26th, with 25 women students from Queen’s University graduating from this year’s cohort. InnovateHer is designed to empower women through business teaching them the essential skills needed to start and sustain a new venture.
After 14 years, the programme took on a new format this year, transforming into a special business retreat for the first time. With participants spending two days at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, where they applied their new skills and knowledge to tackle real-life business challenges provided by sponsors Baker McKenzie and Women in Business.
A Hands-On Experience
The retreat gave participants the chance to work in teams, think creatively, and network with industry experts and local business leaders. The packed schedule included workshops on idea generation, marketing, leadership, pitching and creativity- all designed to help strengthen their business skills and develop innovative solutions.
Panel discussions were also a key part of the experience, covering insightful topics like stepping out of your comfort zone and growing and nurturing community, our students not only gained valuable knowledge but also built strong connections with each other.
One participant reflected on their experience, saying:
“It’s been a brilliant experience working with women from many different backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective to the same problem… One thing that really stood out to me was how much stronger your ideas become when you take a holistic approach and listen to insights from outside your own field. It’s something I’ll definitely carry with me moving forward.”
Another participant highlighted the value of connection:
“It was also such a great way to network — I’m leaving not only with new skills, but also so many new friends. A huge well done to all the other teams too! The creativity and fresh thinking everyone brought to their projects was honestly inspiring.”
Graduation and Recognition
The programme concluded with a Graduation Event at Baker McKenzie, where participants presented their business solutions to the sponsors. It was a chance to celebrate the hard work and creativity of everyone involved, with food, drinks, photos, and networking.
SU Enterprise Development Officer and Programme Manager, Francesca Morelli, shared her thoughts on the success of this year’s InnovateHer:
“I was so grateful to have the opportunity to put a new stamp on the programme this year, and it has really paid off. The participants achieved so much in such a short space of time and came up with truly brilliant business solutions. Not to mention pitching them excellently to a panel of very impressed judges. I’m looking forward to continuing to follow these women on their journeys, which I have no doubt will be very successful.”
Applications for our next InnovateHer will open in September 2025. This year’s success shows just how impactful the programme is — combining practical skills, expert guidance, and a supportive network to help women succeed in business.
You can find out more about SU Enterprise here.
