ARE YOU A female business owner or considering starting a business in the near future? National Women’s Enterprise day, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, is just around the corner on Thursday October 17. A day not to be missed, there’s a wide variety of events taking place across the length and breadth of the country and the aim of the day is to encourage, inspire and celebrate the constantly growing community of female entrepreneurs in Ireland. 

This year, there will be fourteen regional events taking place across the country with speakers including Aimee Connolly of Sculpted by Aimee, broadcaster and entrepreneur, Norah Casey, keynote speaker Sinead O’Brien and many more.  

While help is available all year around through the Local Enterprise Offices, the NWED is a wonderful opportunity for female entrepreneurs to step into the spotlight while encouraging and giving those thinking about launching their own business a supportive nudge in the right direction. 

The regional events taking place across the country will be tackling some of the real-life issues facing female entrepreneurs today, from finance and funding to marketing and innovation. The day will also focus on other issues such as family, well-being and mental health, which are just as important.

Speaking about the day, Breege Cosgrave, Co-Chair of National Women’s Enterprise Day 2024 says it’s become a flagship event for female entrepreneurs: 

No matter what stage you are at, idea, starting up, or trying to innovate or grow your business, there is something for you.  The events will dive into those stories of success, and failure and how some of the very best businesswomen in Ireland overcame the biggest challenges. Most of all the day is about empowering women in business, or those with that kernel of an idea, to make that next step, whatever it is.”

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the keynote address taking place in Carlow’s, The Woodford Dolman Hotel, delivered by entrepreneur Sinead O’Brien. Well known to her online audience as Sinead’s Curvy Style, Sinead is a master of brand building and will be delivering unmissable insights, not only into the world of fashion, but entrepreneurship as a whole. 

Elsewhere in Kildare, MC Susan Hayes (the positive economist) will be leading a panel discussion on attracting and securing investment, that kicks off at 6pm at The Moat Theatre in Naas. If you find yourself close to Dromoland Castle, you don’t want to miss the awe-inspiring line-up of female entrepreneurs, kicking off with the key-note speech from Aimee Connolly of Sculpted By Aimee fame, followed by a panel discussion including Hannah Wrixon of Kella Leadership in Co Clare, Limerick’s Nell Stritch of Pressed Flowers by Nell and The Dublin Herbalist, Claire Brett.

If you’re based in Dublin, the Crowne Plaza in Blanchardstown is the place to be. Kicking off at 8.45am, you’ll be treated to a jam-packed day designed to inspire women throughout every stage of their business journey. The dynamic lineup of speakers includes Oonagh O’Hagan, MD of Meaghers Pharmacy, Lorraine Heskin, Founder and CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour, and motivational experts Breda McCague CEO of Aiming4Awesome and Fiona Buckley - CEO of the She Speaks Agency.

Throughout the day, you’ll gain invaluable knowledge on a variety of topics, including building a strong business foundation, effective networking, authenticity, health, and developing the mindset needed to catapult your business to new heights. Additionally, if it’s practical support you’re seeking, several informational stands will be on hand to help you on your business journey.

For more information on these events and the many more taking place across the country, head over to the What’s On section of the Local Enterprise Offices website. 

If you’ve had an idea knocking about for some time or are keen to share information with like minded individuals, be inspired today, discover the supports on offer, and take your business to the next level. 

Get involved in Ireland’s largest female enterprise event, follow this link and register your interest for National Women’s Enterprise Day today. You can find a full rundown of all regional events here.