Supporting female entrepreneurs

National Women’s Enterprise Day - the initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) aimed at inspiring and supporting female entrepreneurs and women in business took place across the country on Thursday, October 16.

Last year saw a record-breaking number of attendees sign up for the day with 2,200 taking part across the country. This year there were 15 events nationwide on National Women’s Enterprise Day with some of Ireland’s best known female entrepreneurs and women in business sharing their stories of challenges and success.

Some of those involved in the events across the country this year included broadcaster and entrepreneur, Norah Casey, international human rights lawyer Joanna Frivet, author and psychologist, Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, designer Helen Steele, entrepreneur Oonagh O’Hagan, home and food influencer, Sarah Butler, Hotelier Sammie Leslie, fitness influencer, Kellie Fennell and stylist and presenter Sonya Lennon.

The initiative launch took place at one of the event venues, Gloster House in Birr, County Offaly and featured a selection of LEO supported female led businesses including sisters Hope Hayes and Angelina Sheridan of Flaunta, Emma Duffy of My Little Tooth Fairy and Nicola Lyons of Bánór.

The events covered a wide range of topics for women at every stage of business. That might be those who have an idea they want to develop or those who have been in business for a while and want to diversify or enter new markets. There will be experts on all areas involved from funding and networking to marketing and upskilling.

Aileen McGrath, Chair of National Women’s Enterprise Day, said: “National Women’s Enterprise Day is a significant event on the enterprise calendar every year. It’s an opportunity to look back and celebrate what has been achieved by some amazing female entrepreneurs and look forward at the opportunities that lie ahead. To hear about the challenges that have been overcome and the successes achieved."

The Local Enterprise Offices also run a number of initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country. These include Local Enterprise Week, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme, the Local Enterprise Village at the Ploughing Championships and Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.

FURTHER DETAILS

For more information on National Women’s Enterprise Day go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/NWED