IRISH WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS’ SELF BELIEF CONTINUES TO GROW AS WATERFORD’S NATIONAL WOMEN’S ENTERPRISE DAY EVENT IS LAUNCHED
Research has shown that Irish women’s belief in their ability to run a successful business is continuing to grow as this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) was launched in Waterford. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, now in its 16th year, will take place on the 13th October with the aim of encouraging female entrepreneurship and supporting women in business across the country.
The research, part of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) for 2021, showed that 49% of women surveyed believed they had the necessary skills and knowledge to start a business. This was up from 39% in 2018. The report also highlighted that Ireland has the third highest rate for early-stage women entrepreneurs across European countries, with over 1,400 women starting a new business in Ireland every month.
Early-stage women entrepreneurs in Ireland are mainly focused on the customer services sector with 64% of those surveyed working in that area. The report showed a significant growth in export customers for these businesses, with 26% of customers of these early-stage startups based abroad, up from 15% in 2019 highlighting how they have diversified their markets during Covid.
The theme of this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day is “Our Future, Our Way”
Waterford's event will be supported by Waterford Chamber, Waterford Micro Business Network and Network Waterford and is taking place on October 13th in Faithlegg House Hotel.
Our Leading Light for the event is Frances O’Reilly of Dog Dry. Frances developed drying coats for dogs using an innovative design and was established in February 2021. The product has been awarded for innovation by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and Frances became an Enterprise Ireland client within a year of start-up.
As part of the event a facilitated workshop will take place using the Lego Serious Play approach. This is an innovative method used to enhance business performance and introduce new skills through creative thinking and problem solving. The workshop is designed with the purpose of helping attendees to gain a deeper understanding of psychological strengths, values and communications styles.
Following a delicious two course buffet meal, we will have a panel discussion featuring female business owners Frances O’Reilly of Dog Dry; Margaret Julian of GDPR Audits and Network Waterford President, Kamila Bystrzonowska of Momo Restaurant and Karen Tompkins of The Treasure Vox.
This year we are delighted to have Teresanne O’Reilly as our MC. Teresanne previously worked in WLR as Head of Digital and is now the owner of The Forest which builds websites and develops successful brand strategies for small and medium sized businesses.
Registration and networking commences at 3.00pm.
Don't miss out on this great networking and learning event, clink on the link to book your place now.
There will be events nationwide featuring a mix of well-known Irish entrepreneurs and business people such as Suzanne Jackson, founder of the SoSu Cosmetics brand, successful jockey Nina Carberry, International referee Michelle O’Neill, award winning jewellery designer Chupi Sweetman, Interior design specialist and Home of the Year judge Suzie McAdam and broadcaster and entrepreneur Aine Kerr.
For more information on the events in each area and how to register go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/NWED.