Enterprise Ireland and Network Ireland launch nationwide ‘Fuelling Ambition’ Roadshows to encourage female entrepreneurs to maximise their full potential

Deirdre Waldron, president, Network Ireland; Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland; Siobhan Byrne Learat, Adams & Butler; Ciara Carolan, ADN Materials 

Enterprise Ireland, the Government agency responsible for helping businesses to startup and scale, and Network Ireland, the leading networking organisation for women in business in Ireland, have joined forces to organise nationwide Roadshows targeting female entrepreneurs. The ‘Fuelling Ambition’ Roadshows will encourage female entrepreneurs, or those considering starting their own business, to be braver and more ambitious in their plans for growth and success. The objective is to encourage and support female entrepreneurs to maximise their full potential on the road to business success.

Launching the Roadshows Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland, said: “A key focus for Enterprise Ireland is helping businesses to start, innovate and scale. In 2011 female led enterprises accounted for just 7% of new startups. The same was true globally. Enterprise Ireland put a number of initiatives in place to address the balance, like female only Startup funds. These initiatives are working. Participation by female entrepreneurs in our High Potential Start-Up programme increased to 22% in 2015. We are determined to capitalise on this positive trend. As we continue to encourage more female entrepreneurs to start and scale new businesses, we want them to be brave in their business ambitions. We are delighted to be working with Network Ireland to connect with as many existing and potential female entrepreneurs as possible to encourage them to maximise their full potential as they grow their businesses”.

Deirdre Waldron, President of Network Ireland commented: “The aim of this roadshow is to encourage Irish female entrepreneurs and would be entrepreneurs to be even more ambitious for their businesses and for themselves as business leaders. We want women to think bigger and braver and not be afraid of reaching their maximum potential on the road to business success.”

The ‘Fuelling Ambition’ Roadshows will visit Dundalk on Tuesday 3 May; Galway on Wednesday 4 May; Athlone on Tuesday 17 May; Limerick on Wednesday 8 June, and Cork on Wednesday 6 July. At each event participants will have the opportunity to hear from relevant keynote speakers and successful female entrepreneurs. Representatives from Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices will be on hand to discuss the wide range of supports available to female entrepreneurs, and those thinking of starting their own entrepreneurs and business people. 

Sarita Johnston, Female Entrepreneurship Manager with Enterprise Ireland concluded:

“The objective of the Roadshows is to engage with as many female entrepreneurs as possible. I have seen firsthand how hearing about other people’s success stories encourages more people to take ambitious leaps for their businesses. We have an exciting line up of female entrepreneurs who are willing to share their success stories, and we look forward to meeting as many budding and ambitious entrepreneurs as possible over the next few months.”

The ‘Fuelling Ambition’ Roadshows are free of charge for Network Ireland members and Enterprise Ireland and LEO clients. Full details and booking information are available on the Network Ireland website www.networkireland.ie and the Enterprise Ireland website. 

Further details are available at Fuelling Ambition Roadshows