Full Breakdown
Celebrating National Women’s Enterprise Day in Donegal
10/2/2025, 4:52:42 PM
Overview of National Women’s Enterprise Day
National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) is set to take place on Thursday, 16th October, with the Local Enterprise Office Donegal hosting an event at the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny. This event is recognized as Ireland’s largest celebration of female entrepreneurship, aiming to inspire and connect women in business. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by LEO Donegal to support female-led enterprises through targeted programs and strategic funding.
Key Initiatives Supporting Female Entrepreneurs
One significant initiative is the Ambition Accelerator Programme, tailored for women with high-growth potential ventures. Launched earlier this month, the current cohort includes 17 participants from Donegal and beyond. The program has successfully supported 43 business ideas, resulting in the creation of 57 new jobs and enabling 69% of participants to maintain full-time roles in their businesses. Furthermore, 78% of participants have accessed additional supports valued at over €801,000, demonstrating the effectiveness of focused assistance for female entrepreneurs.
Event Highlights and Speakers
The NWED event promises an evening filled with insights and networking opportunities. The host, Orla Hasson, a transformational coach, will lead the event featuring keynote speaker Tessa Breslin, a leadership advisor to Fortune 500 companies. Other notable speakers include Olivia Finney, co-founder of New Kid Coffee, Sally Murphy, a TEDx speaker, and Caroline McLaughlin, Executive Director at Morgan Stanley. Additionally, the event will include a restorative breathwork session led by Jacqueline Toner and guided networking facilitated by Mirenda Rosenberg.
Official Statements on Female Entrepreneurship
Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise Donegal, emphasized the importance of NWED, stating, “National Women’s Enterprise Day highlights the value women bring to business across Ireland. But more than just an annual event, it reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting female entrepreneurship in Donegal.” This statement underscores the continuous efforts to build a robust pipeline of female-led businesses, focusing on access, visibility, and connection.
Broader Implications for Women in Business
The NWED event not only celebrates female entrepreneurship but also addresses the broader challenges women face in business. In Europe, the rate of entrepreneurial activity among women is notably low at 5.7%, compared to a global average of 11%. Initiatives like NWED and the Ambition Accelerator Programme are crucial in fostering a supportive environment for women to overcome barriers and succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Conclusion
The National Women’s Enterprise Day in Donegal serves as a vital platform for celebrating and empowering women in business. By providing resources, networking opportunities, and inspirational speakers, the event aims to inspire a new generation of female entrepreneurs. As LEO Donegal continues to champion female-led enterprises, the impact of such initiatives is expected to resonate well beyond the event itself, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among women in the region.
