The Enterprising Women Network was set up by the Local Enterprise Office Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown (LEODLR) as a peer-to-peer business support network for female-run businesses.
The network is coordinated by business owner, Jill Lush, on behalf of LEO DLR. Jill is over 8 years in business herself so she has experienced first-hand many of the challenges that business owners face.
The Enterprising Women Network (EWN) is a safe place to network with fellow female entrepreneurs. Networking meetings tend to have a more informal tone, but still have structure. EWN is made up of a group of really supportive ladies. Early stage or pre-start businesses are made just as welcome as long established businesses. In fact, this dynamic in the network lends itself to great support for all involved.
What happens at an event?
- Normally the event opens with tea/coffee on arrival to allow you time to chat to others. Don’t worry if you have arrived alone for your first meeting. Jill will make sure that you have somebody to chat to and will welcome you and introduce you to others.
- Some events have a guest speaker. Before they start, we normally do quick informal introductions as to who is in the room with us. If you love doing an elevator pitch, then this is your time to shine! If you hate the elevator pitch, that’s ok, just say hi and tell us your name.
- The topic is generally based on feedback from members or an issue or topic that we know needs to be addressed and you can learn from.
- The meeting then wraps up, but typically members stay on to chat and network some more. Depending on the venue, this is normally fine and we welcome everyone to stay as long as they wish.
The network runs seven times a year with in-person meetings to network.
Our meetings feature
- Expert speakers on practical topics of interest to local businesses
- Exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences with other female business owners
- Opportunities to build contacts and win business
- Guests are welcome (no fee for first time visit)
- Keep informed about LEO DLR supports available and those of other organisations
Meetings take place in various venues within the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown region during the year. Our summer and Christmas events tend to be more informal. All events are heavily subsidised by LEO DLR.
Members are sent reminders in advance of events via email. We promise not to bombard you with emails though!
During 2025 we plan to meet on these dates (subject to change):
- 1. January: Tuesday 21st (7pm - 9pm)
- 2. March: Friday 7th (Lunchtime event to mark International Women's Day)
- 3. April: Tuesday 29th (10am - 12 noon)
- 4. June: Tuesday 17th (7pm - 9pm, normally an informal event to mark the summer)
- 5. September: Tuesday 9th (10am - 12 noon)
- 6. October: Thursday 16th (National Women's Enterprise Day in conjunction with LEO Dublin City, LEO Fingal & LEO South Dublin - details TBC)
- 7. December: Tuesday 2nd (an evening festive event)
Our members can keep in contact between meetings via our WhatsaApp group (not mandatory to join the group!)
Membership for 2025 can be availed of here
Enterprising Women Network on Instagram
We encourage members to keep connected between meetings. We love promoting your business on our Social Media pages, particularly via our Members Spotlights. You share the content with us (photos/videos and short text) and we tag you on the post.
Enterprising Women Network Enquiries:
Jill Lush
Network Co-ordinator
Local Enterprise Office Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
Email: Jill@LushMarketing.ie
