IRELAND’S LARGEST FEMALE enterprise event is taking place on 19 October. 

National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) is an annual initiative of Local Enterprise Office. The day celebrates the amazing and constantly growing community of female-led businesses and entrepreneurs in Ireland.

NWED is an opportunity for female entrepreneurs to explore the many opportunities available to them from the Local Enterprise Office in their area. These offices can help them to build networks, access support and give them the necessary tools to grow their business. 

It is also an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking for a push toward entrepreneurship or for an opportunity to develop their business idea. Those currently working are encouraged to use the day as an opportunity to access some hugely beneficial knowledge and supports on offer in their Local Enterprise Office and its surrounding network. 

Kelly Ging, Founder of Kelly Lou Cakes, Deborah Brock, Founder of Nua Fertility, Aileen McGrath, Local Enterprise Offices, Fiona Uyema, Founder of Fused by Fiona and Jacinta Caraher, Founder of Purple Peach Bridal Wear. Andres Poveda Andres Poveda

According to NWED co-chair Breege Cosgrave, who is Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Wexford, “This has become a key date in the calendar for women in business all over the country.

“Small businesses have had a lot to contend with in recent years and this is a perfect opportunity to step out and start building your network and to see how you can grow your business.

This is a fantastic networking opportunity if you are a woman in business or a budding female entrepreneur, and I would encourage you to sign up and celebrate female entrepreneurship,” Breege added.

This year’s theme for NWED is ‘Empowering Business Together’. A full day of events, featuring an exciting line-up of guest speakers, workshops with leading industry experts and networking opportunities through break-out rooms and one-to-one advice clinics is scheduled, with something for everyone on during the day.

One aspiring female entrepreneur who attended last year said that by attending, she received “inspiration from other female founders and a tangible list of what the LEO can offer start-ups”. 

Another attendee said last year’s NWED offered “incredible insights into the ways of thinking of successful businesswomen”.

Support is available all year round for female entrepreneurs but NWED places the spotlight firmly on women-led businesses. For many, it can be the first stepping stone into entrepreneurship for those who may not have considered it before by highlighting what supports are available and providing networking opportunities. Most importantly, it is a celebration of the amazing women-led businesses across Ireland.

The number of women who are setting up their own businesses has grown year-on-year after plans were put in place by the Government and Local Enterprise Office. Last year, 37% of new businesses in Ireland were female-led, up 16% in the last four years. 

Caroline Duffy of Caroline Duffy Designs, who is one of the many guest speakers on NWED, began her business with the help of her Local Enterprise Office. She availed of mentoring, trading vouchers, enterprise courses and grants since commencing her enterprise, and is well-placed to discuss the merits of NWED. 

Caroline Duffy.

NWED means supporting each other, celebrating female entrepreneurship, encouraging each other and lighting each other up,” Caroline said. 

“No one can do it alone and I firmly believe in the practice of collaboration. Either by sourcing raw materials or services locally for my brand from other female-led businesses or working on projects with other entrepreneurs that in turn will boost both our businesses. NWED also symbolises for me a time of networking, education, inspiring others and being inspired!” Caroline added. 

For those wishing to begin their entrepreneurial career, Caroline preaches bravery and breaking the mould.

It takes bravery to break boundaries and I’d encourage budding entrepreneurs to push beyond their comfort zone. The fear of failure can be crippling, but it’s not a good enough reason to hold back. It’s about taking a calculated risk,” she believes.

Asking for help along the way is also crucial, says Caroline, and that’s where your Local Enterprise Office can be a fantastic resource.

“Sometimes you have to dream far bigger than what you can plan for and be prepared to upgrade your skills along the way,” Caroline said.

For more information on National Women´s Enterprise Day, visit here.