National Women’s Enterprise Day 2026

Twenty Years of Women Making It Happen

15th October 2026

For twenty years, National Women's Enterprise Day (NWED) has brought together the women shaping Ireland's business landscape. In 2026 we mark two decades of that movement, and we want you in the room. This is the day when female founders and senior leaders across Carlow and Kilkenny step away from the desk, connect with the people who understand the journey, and leave with the insight and the contacts to drive their next chapter forward.

Reserve your place now. Spaces are limited and this milestone event will fill quickly.

Why this day matters

National Women's Enterprise Day is the flagship national initiative for women in business in Ireland, coordinated by the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland. Each year it puts the spotlight on the ambition, resilience and achievement of female entrepreneurs the length and breadth of the country.

2026 is no ordinary year. It marks the 20th anniversary of NWED, and the theme says everything about the women who have built and grown businesses over those two decades: #MakingitHappen

This year's NWED event is delivered jointly by Carlow County Council's Local Enterprise Office and Kilkenny County Council's Local Enterprise Office, bringing the energy of two counties and a national celebration into one unmissable afternoon.

What you will take away

This event is designed to give you something real to carry back into your business.

• Expert insight you can apply straight away: Hear directly from marketing and finance specialists, and from a member of the Google team, on what is working right now for growing businesses.
• A clear line of sight to the supports available to you: Get a practical overview of the funding, mentoring and development programmes available through the Local Enterprise Offices in Carlow and Kilkenny, to support and scale your business.
• The peer network that changes everything: Sit alongside female founders and senior leaders who know what it’s like to navigate the wins and challenges of running and scaling a business. The connections made over these two hours often become the partnerships, referrals and friendships that last for years.

The agenda

This event is built to inform, energise and connect:

• 11.45 Registration
• 12:00 Welcome by Ruth Scott, radio presenter with Classic Hits FM.
• 12:05 Opening addresses
• 12:15 Lessons Learned - fireside chat with local entrepreneurs: Denise Walsh (Curly Co), and Laura Mullin (The Old Post Office), and Brigid Walsh (Solar Precision).
• 12:45 The Power Panel - panel discussion with industry experts: Rosemary Ward (Propellor BIC, Sales & Marketing), Ruth Larkin (Lark Bridal, Marketing), Mary Hayden (finance), Google (technology).
• 13:15 Supporting You - fireside chat with local support services for your business: Chambers of Commerce and Local Enterprise Offices - Carlow and Kilkenny.
• 13:45 Closing remarks

Help yourself to light refreshments upon arrival, settle in among peers, and keep an eye out for the spot prizes running throughout the afternoon.

Event details at a glance

• Date: Thursday, 15th October 2026
• Time: 11.45am- 2pm
• Venue: Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow
• Cost: €20pp, registration is essential

Book your place today

Twenty years of women making it happen, and the next chapter starts with you in the room. Places are strictly limited and demand is high. Secure your seat today and join the women of Carlow and Kilkenny in marking this landmark celebration.

#NWED #MakingitHappen #WomeninEnterprise