The countdown is on! In just one month, female entrepreneurs and businesswomen from Carlow and Kilkenny will gather for National Women’s Enterprise Day on Thursday, October 17th. Don’t miss your chance to “Make it Happen” – book your spot today for this action-packed event!
Hosted by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), now in its 18th year, this year’s event will feature 14 nationwide gatherings, including the exciting Carlow/Kilkenny event at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow. Expect an inspiring day filled with successful businesswomen, rising female entrepreneurs, and expert speakers on sustainability, innovation, networking, and marketing.
The theme, “Making it Happen”, encourages women to seize opportunities—whether it's launching a new idea, scaling their business, or embracing innovation. Discover invaluable resources, from funding and consultancy to training and mentorship, to help take your business to the next level.
Highlights for the Carlow/Kilkenny event include keynote speaker Sinead O’Brien, creator of the renowned brand Sinead’s Curvy Style, and a panel of powerhouse businesswomen. Irene Frisby, Managing Director of FQS and the 2024 Carlow/Kilkenny NWED Ambassador, will share her expertise in the pharmaceutical and aviation security sectors. Also on the panel, Kate Gaynor, MD of Advanced Coatings, will speak about her business journey focusing on sustainability and community impact.
Rosemary Ward, Deputy CEO of Propelor BIC, will offer insights on funding and scaling, while Linda Codoul, Business Support Specialist, will bring her experience across banking, healthcare, and project management to the conversation.
Speaking about the event, Cllr. Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said, "National Women's Enterprise Day is a testament to the incredible talent and resilience of women entrepreneurs in Ireland. It is vital that we continue to support women in business, providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed in an increasingly competitive global market”. Cllr. Browne added, “This dynamic event is now only one month away and I encourage every female entrepreneur in Carlow and Kilkenny to secure their place at it by registering today on their Local Enterprise Office website.”
Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office, Carlow County Council said, “National Women's Enterprise Day is a fantastic opportunity for women entrepreneurs in Carlow and Kilkenny to connect, learn, and be inspired. We encourage women at all stages of business to attend, whether you're just starting out or looking to grow. It's about creating a space where women can 'make it happen,' with the right support, guidance, and opportunities to succeed."
Aisling Carey, Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office, Kilkenny County Council event, added, "This event is all about empowering women in business to take their ideas to the next level. With an incredible lineup of speakers and real success stories from female-led enterprises, it promises to be an inspirational day. We want to motivate local businesswomen to believe in themselves, take that next step, and make their entrepreneurial vision a reality."
Some of those involved in other National Women’s Enterprise Day events across the country include Anne Heraty of CPL, Aimee Connolly of Sculpted by Aimee, broadcaster and entrepreneur, Norah Casey, Martina Fitzgerald of Scale Ireland, entrepreneur Chupi Sweetman and broadcaster and podcaster Sile Seoige. They will be joined at the events across the country by a host of female led small businesses and start-ups, telling stories of how they began and made it happen with their ideas.
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, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.
Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 75,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses.
For more information on National Women’s Enterprise Day and what events are on go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/NWED