A Record 800 Irish Businesswomen Attend NWED
19th October 2016
Over 800 Irish businesswomen are taking part in inspiring events all over the country to mark the 10th annual National Women’s Enterprise Day today.
Organised by Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), the events are being attended by some of Ireland’s most successful business leaders who are sharing their stories and offering advice to women on how to achieve success.
The number of Irish female entrepreneurs receiving business supports from the LEOs increased by 20 percent last year. More than than 6,250 female-run businesses received financial and mentoring supports in 2015, whilst more than 11,000 participated in specialist training programmes.
The National Women’s Enterprise Day events are taking place in Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Meath, Westmeath, Dublin and Cavan. All 31 LEOs are supporting the initiative, with established female entrepreneurs acting as Regional Ambassadors and sharing their inspiring success stories.
Sheelagh Daly of the Local Enterprise Offices said it is clear that women’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Ireland. “It is our job to nurture that spirit and to give women in business all the help and guidance they need. It is important that they are aware of the huge supports available to them through Local Enterprise Offices.”
She urged as many women either in business or considering starting their own business to attend one of the seven events around the country today to mark National Women’s Enterprise Day. “These events will be an invaluable help to women who will be both inspired and informed.”
This year’s National Women’s Day Regional Ambassadors are: Valerie Kingston of Glenilen Farm in Cork (South West Region); Hannah Wrixon of Last Minute Minders in Limerick (Mid West Region); Nicola Byrne of 11890 and Cloud 90 (Dublin Region); Audrey Gaffney of Audrey Gaffney Associates in Meath (Mid East Region); Aisling Hanley of Keenwah Quinoa in Galway (West Region); Regina Bushell of Grovelands Childcare in Westmeath (Midlands Region); Rachel Doyle of the Arboretum (South East Region) and Margaret Reilly of CTR Manufacturing in Louth (Border Region).
Guest speakers at National Women’s Enterprise Day events around the country include fashion designers Heidi Higgins, Úna Burke and Sonya Lennon of Lennon Courtney. Women entrepreneurs will also hear from Sherri Brennan of Skip Trans Waste Management, Patricia Callan of the Small Firms Association, Orla Barry of Barry Express, Kathryn Byrne of Your Image, Deirdre Uí Chathmhaoil of Rí na Mara, and Maura Hunter of MH Designs.
