Wicklow's National Women's Enterprise Day event to take place on Thursday 17th October
Female entrepreneurs and budding businesswomen from across Wicklow are being encouraged to “make it happen” and register for this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED), after the lineup for the event was announced today.
Running from 12pm – 4pm, the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) initiative will take place on Thursday 17th October, with events scheduled across the country. There are 14 events nationwide and they feature a range of successful businesswomen, up and coming female entrepreneurs and amazing speakers in areas of sustainability, innovation, networking and marketing.
This year the Wicklow event is taking place in the beautiful surroundings of Clermont House, Rathnew, an 18th Century Palladian House on 50 acres, owned and restored by Wicklow County Council and now home to Wicklow County Campus, LEO Wicklow Offices and Clermont Screen Hub.
Lunch will be served on arrival from local female entrepreneur, Thea Kinsella’s company Maidin Catering. From Rathnew, Thea has just returned to Ireland from the vibrant London food scene, where she was head craft chef on movies such as Wonka, and private chef catering to stars such as George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Noah Baumbach. Her lunch offering and bright pink coffee truck is bound to spark plenty of conversation and networking.
The theme of this year’s event, ‘Making it Happen’ will encourage businesswomen to take that next step whether that be to act on an idea, grow their business or take steps to change or innovate in their business.
Guest speakers Lyndsey Cavanagh and Catherine Brady will be joined by Facilitator, guest speaker and entrepreneur in her own right, Margaret Hoctor. Margaret has had a long career in corporate marketing, co-owns Kilmullen Farm (lamb, apple juice and corn) and is a business trainer and facilitator with The Entrepreneurs Academy. Most importantly, Margaret is a ball of positive energy and a master MC, who intends to involve the audience and get everyone talking.
Lyndsey Cavanagh, founded One Dame Lane in 2018. ODL is a jewellery manufacturing company and shop, growing rapidly, focusing on the bridal jewellery market and trend-led fashion jewellery. Lyndsey has collaborated successfully with comedian Joanne McNally and influencer Lauren Arthurs.
Catherine Brady is co-owner of Brady’s Coffee, Wicklow Town. Catherine started this coffee roastery business in 2018 with her husband Craig, and has seen very impressive growth and US exports. Catherine is LEO Wicklow’s local Ambassador for NWED 2024.
Cllr. Paul O’Brien, Cathaoirleach, Wicklow County Council, who will attend on the day, said: “There are some amazing female entrepreneurs in County Wicklow and I am looking forward to meeting them at the NWED event and to listen to the inspiring stories of the guest speakers. Small businesses and sole traders are such an important part of the fabric of society in this County and this event is tailor made for them.”
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council said: “I would like to call on all female founders and entrepreneurs to come and join us on Thursday 17th October in Rathnew to network, and celebrate the stories of these impressive speakers. There is nothing like supporting and learning from each other in business, especially for women who are often juggling many other responsibilities.”
Vibeke Delahunt, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow said: “The theme for this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day on October 17th is ‘Making it Happen’ and we want to highlight all the supports that can empower women in Wicklow who want to start or grow their businesses into the future.”
Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices, part of the Local Authority and funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland, are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking for support or advice. Since their inception, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 75,000 jobs across the country. The team at LEO Wicklow work with thousands of client companies in Co. Wicklow in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses.
Tickets cost €15 for this event are open to all. To book your place and for more information on National Women’s Enterprise Day go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/NWED
Imagery:
Caption: (L-R) Michelle Hegarty (LEO Wicklow), Emer O’Gorman (Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council), Cllr. Paul O’Brien (Cathaoirleach, Wicklow County Council), Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, (Leas-Cathaoirleach, Wicklow County Council) and Catherine Brady (Brady’s Coffee, Wicklow Town). Photo by Mick Kelly.