Two women’s networks to merge to create the 'Irish Women in Business Club'

The Club Women’s Network has joined forces with The Irish Women in Business Network (IWBN) as part of a “strategic merger”.

The result is a newly formed network, the Irish Women in Business Club, which brings together the combined memberships of both organisations.

Founded in 2020, The Club Female Founders was established by Cork’s Sian Horn as a social enterprise to support female founders through connection, collaboration and access to practical resources.

Sian will step down from her role following the merger and says she is looking forward to experiencing the next chapter of the community as a member.

Denise Whitmore, founder of the Irish Women in Business Network, will take on the role of CEO of the Irish Women in Business Club, leading the next phase of growth and development for the community.

Sian Horn said the decision to merge was rooted in alignment and shared vision.

“Handing the reins to Denise feels like the right next step, at exactly the right time. Our visions are closely aligned, and I am confident the community will continue to grow, evolve and thrive under her leadership The Club was created to support female founders at a time when very few communities were built specifically for them, but as a social enterprise, I was always conscious of the limits that structure placed on future growth. I am extremely proud of the work carried out by myself, the Club committee and board over the past number of years, and of the impact The Club has made in supporting women founders across Ireland. While I will always be the founder, I am genuinely looking forward to experiencing the next chapter of the community as a member.”

Under Denise’s leadership, the Irish Women in Business Club will focus on expanding access, strengthening peer support, and creating meaningful opportunities for members at every stage of business growth. The new structure will include both paid and unpaid membership options, ensuring the community remains accessible while also offering enhanced support, programming and opportunities for those who choose to invest further.

Denise said the merger is about bringing together the best of both communities to build “a stronger, more supportive network” for female founders in Ireland. “By combining our memberships, experience and shared values, we can offer better connection, greater visibility and more practical support to women building businesses. Our goal is to grow the Irish Women in Business Club into the most trusted, founder-focused support network in the country — one that genuinely helps women start, sustain and scale successful businesses.”

Further details on membership options, programming and upcoming events will be announced shortly.