Empowering Women in Business: National Women’s Enterprise Day in Fingal
National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) is set to take place on Thursday, 17th October, at the prestigious Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown. Organized by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Fingal, this annual event celebrates female entrepreneurship and provides a unique platform for enterprising women across the Dublin region to come together and celebrate their achievements.
This year’s NWED theme, ‘Making It Happen,’ focuses on empowering women in business to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and achieve success. The event features a diverse lineup of guest speakers, female entrepreneurs, panel discussions, small-business case studies, and an exhibition of enterprise support agencies. It also offers ample networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs and business owners to connect and collaborate.
Renowned TV broadcaster Mary Kennedy has been announced as this year’s NWED Master of Ceremonies, bringing her distinctive style and experience to the event. Joining her are inspiring speakers from various business sectors, including Lorraine Heskin, CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour; Oonagh O’Hagan, MD of Meaghers Pharmacy; Fiona Buckley, CEO of She Speaks Agency; and Breda McCague, CEO of Aiming4Awesome. These successful women will share their insights and experiences to motivate and inspire attendees.
Panel Discussions and Ambassadors
One of the highlights of the event is the panel discussion featuring ambassadors from across Dublin who will share their business experiences and the support they have received on their entrepreneurial journeys. The panel includes Carol Gibbons, Divisional Manager and Head of Regions and Local Enterprise at Enterprise Ireland, who will provide valuable insights on scaling and internationalization.
Ambassadors announced for their respective regions are Michelle O’Keefe, Co-founder of Platform 55 (LEO Fingal); Aisling Tuck, founder of Naked Bakes (South Dublin LEO); Alicia Garrigan, Founder of GirlGottaChange (LEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown); and Niamh Tallon, Founder of Hersport.ie (LEO Dublin City). These ambassadors represent the diversity and innovation present in the Dublin business landscape.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with representatives from key organizations such as the Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland, Revenue, Intreo, Department of Social Protection, InterTradeIreland, AwakenHub, TU Dublin, TrailblazHER, and Microfinance Ireland. These organizations offer valuable resources and support to help female entrepreneurs grow and succeed in their ventures.
Networking and Growth Opportunities
Registration for the event begins at 08.45 am, with a breakfast networking session to kick off the day. The official program starts at 09.30 am and includes a networking lunch that concludes at 2 pm. This provides attendees with ample time to connect, learn, and share experiences with like-minded women in business.
Speaking at the launch of the NWED Dublin event, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, expressed his excitement about celebrating the women driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. He highlighted the event as a platform to showcase the vibrant business community in Fingal and inspire more women to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, emphasized the importance of supporting female entrepreneurship and fostering a culture of innovation in the region. She welcomed the NWED event to Fingal as an opportunity for businesswomen to connect, learn, and gain insights that will help them succeed in their ventures.
Oisin Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise in Fingal, highlighted the significance of providing networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow. He emphasized the event’s value in offering inspiration, valuable information, and networking opportunities for women at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
Sharon Rossignuolo, Manager of the Fingal Enterprising Women Network, emphasized the long-term benefits of participating in NWED. She encouraged businesswomen to view the event not just as a break but as an investment in personal and professional growth, providing fresh perspectives and motivation to drive their businesses forward.
Celebrating Female Entrepreneurship
National Women’s Enterprise Day promises a value-packed and memorable experience for businesswomen in Dublin, offering a unique platform to celebrate female entrepreneurship, connect with peers, and gain the inspiration and tools needed for business success. The event is subsidized by the LEOs in the Dublin Region, with early bird tickets available for €25. Due to limited availability, early booking is recommended.
In conclusion, NWED in Fingal is a dynamic event that celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in business, providing a supportive environment for networking, learning, and growth. By empowering female entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of innovation, events like NWED play a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for women in business.
