In Ireland today, women are setting up businesses in greater numbers than ever and Tipperary is no exception.

Female entrepreneurs from all parts of the county have, for many years, established successful businesses in many sectors including health and beauty, food, tourism, the arts and education. While initiatives at both national and local level, such as the Local Enterprise Office network, continue to provide a range of supports for those who run their own business, many find dedicated women in business networks particularly beneficial, especially for those starting out as they build confidence and reduce the feelings of isolation often experienced by women when setting up a new business. In addition, women in business networks offer opportunities to build relationships with like-minded entrepreneurs, exchange ideas and increase business contacts in a supportive environment.

One such group is The South Tipperary Women in Business Network. Initiated by the Local Enterprise Office Tipperary to encourage and foster entrepreneurship amongst businesswomen in South Tipperary, today’s membership includes businesswomen from many different industries. For example Barbara Russell runs a successful catering business,Rosemary Donovan is owner of the well-known bookshop, The Bookmarket while MLD Therapist, Monica Conway runs the Bio-health Centre in Clonmel. Indeed many of the members have established independent businesses in South Tipperary, however there are also members like Rosemary Chawke whose business,Travel Counsellors, is part of an international network of travel professionals. This diversity is another reason for the group’s success suggests network Chairperson Sacha Maxwell who runs Slievenamon Holistic Therapy,as it brings together women from many different business backgrounds and perspectives to discuss shared concerns and interests.

The South Tipperary Women in Business Network is open to women running their own business, but also to those thinking of doing so and over the years new members have continued to join. In fact 2017 was a particularly busy year with many new members coming on board. These included Genevieve O’Brien, who runs Unislim in Cahir, Fethard and Clonmel and Eileen Heneghan, who runs a healing practice in Fethard.

Members meet on a monthly basis, to not only network and share work experiences and ideas, but also to participate in the network’s programme of talks, workshops and other events. Guest speakers over the years have ranged from high profile successful and inspirational entrepreneurs, to experts in a variety of business fields and this years programme is no exception. Beginning on Wednesday September 13th with a presentation by Eileen Woodford entitled ‘The 5 Key Resources of a Successful Entrepreneur’, this will be followed throughout the year by a series of presentations on topics including social media, data protection and communication skills. Delivered by presenters such as sales, marketing & media professional, Margaret Boland Murphy from Bofin Consultancy, each talk allows members to tap into the skills and specialist expertise of experienced trainers who deliver simple solutions, tips and advice that members can implement in their own businesses.In 2017, the network also introduced a Business Bootcamp, which consisted of one-to-one sessions with experienced mentors. This proved so successful that it has been included once again in this years programme, giving members a safe environment to receive advice from experienced consultants like independent financial advisor Frances O’Hanlon. In addition to the annual programme of talks, members can also avail of the opportunity to meet other women in business at different social, regional and national networking events.

The South Tipperary Women in Business Network meet on the first Wednesday of the month at the Clonmel Park Hotel with meetings beginning at 6.30pm. The annual membership fee is just €50 and new members are always welcome. For further information on the activities of South Tipperary Women in Business Network and on how to become a member please contact: Ita Horan email: ita.horan@leo.tipperarycoco.ietel: 052 6129466