A packed room of ambition and enterprise was on display in County Clare on May 14th 2026, as 68 women gathered for a Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Clare event focused on supporting female entrepreneurs through learning, networking and collaboration.

The morning began with an informal networking session, giving attendees the opportunity to connect, share experiences and build relationships. This was followed by an official welcome from the LEO Clare team, setting the tone for a morning dedicated to empowering women in business.

Keynote speaker Paula Fitzsimons of Fitzsimons Consulting delivered an engaging and thought-provoking address, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing female entrepreneurs today. Her presentation offered valuable insights into how women can grow and sustain successful businesses, while also encouraging greater participation and visibility of women across all sectors.

Theresa Mulvihill Killeen, Senior Enterprise Development Officer with LEO Clare, spoke about the wide range of supports available locally. She emphasised that assistance is accessible to women at every stage of their business journey, from start-up through to expansion, and encouraged attendees to fully utilise these resources.

Following a networking break, which further strengthened connections among participants, the event continued with a panel discussion featuring some of Clare’s most dynamic business leaders.

Among the speakers was Alison McGrath, founder of My First Steps, a well-known children’s footwear retailer with stores in Ennis and Galway. She was joined by Edel Breslin, founder and Managing Director of Óir Tonics, a Clare-based wellness brand inspired by Irish tradition and natural ingredients.

Also sharing their insights were Dr. Finola Cliffe, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Shannon-based biotech company Hooke Bio Ltd, and Róisín Keown, founder and CEO of The Brill Building, one of Ireland’s most awarded creative communications agencies.

The panelists spoke candidly about their journeys in building and scaling successful businesses. Topics ranged from navigating early-stage challenges and accessing funding, to maintaining resilience and planning for long-term sustainability. The discussion struck a chord with the audience, many of whom are at various stages of their own entrepreneurial paths.

A lively question-and-answer session followed, with attendees actively engaging with the panel and sharing their own insights, creating a strong sense of community and mutual support.

The event concluded with closing remarks that reinforced the importance of collaboration, mentorship and strong networks in driving enterprise growth across County Clare. Events like this, organisers noted, play a crucial role in fostering innovation and supporting the continued success of women in business locally.

LEO Clare continues to host initiatives aimed at strengthening the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a particular focus on ensuring women-led businesses have the tools and support needed to thrive.