This year’s celebration brought together women in business from across both counties for a day of inspiration, connection, and empowerment under the national theme “Making it Happen.” The event features a dynamic mix of keynote talks, networking opportunities, panel discussions and local business showcases, highlighting the innovation and resilience of female Entrepreneurs.

The participants heard from a range of accomplished businesswomen and indeed accomplished Women in Politics. Event guests had the pleasure of hearing from Ireland’s longest standing councilor and the cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Mary-Hilda Cavanagh. Laurie Winkless performed an incredible keynote address speaking about how she did not mean to become a business woman and how a career break led to her Entrepreneurial journey.

Laurie then joined a panel discussion with Margaret Valette O’Connor Business coach and former managing director of Quigley’s café, bakery and deli and Emma Butler from White Meadow Interior. Margaret spoke about the importance of Financial management and gave her tips on how to scale a business. Emma also shared with the audience some insights into how she made those initial leads and also about the importance of up-skilling along the way.

Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy closed the event to encourage all the women in the room and spoke candidly about the importance of shinning a light on women in business and National Women’s Enterprise Day.    

Speaking at the event Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise of Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, said; “Now in its 19th year, National Women’s Enterprise Day is one of the most important events in the Local Enterprise Office’s calendar.  It gives us the opportunity to highlight the women in business who continue to do break down barriers in business, across every sector.  The day itself is also an opportunity for businesswomen to network, engage, and advice and to find out what supports are available for their business through their Local Enterprise Office. This year we also had really inspirational stories from our speakers who brought such energy and inspiration to the event”

National Women’s Enterprise Day is just one of the initiatives of the Local Enterprise Offices aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and assisting companies to start up and grow.  Others include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme, and the Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championships.

Also speaking at the event Paula O’Brien, Director of Services, Carlow County Council, highlighted how female led businesses are growing and the importance of supporting this”.

Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland. 

Local Enterprise Office - Carlow