(L-R: Sinead O'Brien; Sinead's Curvy Style, Aisling Carey Kilkenny LEO Business Advisor, Melissa Doyle; Carlow LEO Business Advisor)
Carlow and Kilkenny Celebrate Female Entrepreneurship at National Women's Enterprise Day 2024!
Carlow and Kilkenny Local Enterprise Offices are excited to announce the National Women's Enterprise Day event, taking place on Thursday, 17th October 2024 at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow. This inspiring event aims to celebrate and support female entrepreneurs across the region.
The event will be hosted by Shonagh Lyons, a vibrant media personality from Wexford. Shonagh began her media career in 2007 as a presenter on RTÉ's Saturday morning kids TV show Sattitude. She now co-hosts the morning show Beat Breakfast with Niall and Sho.
The keynote speaker for the day will be Sinead O’Brien, a Limerick entrepreneur renowned for her brand Sinead's Curvy Style. Sinead, also a professional singer and influencer with a social media following of over 150,000, launched her shapewear brand VACIOUS in 2021. The brand, featuring shapewear and swimwear, is crafted with unique compression formulas to help women feel confident in their curves. Sinead’s success story as a top influencer and businesswoman, balancing motherhood and business growth, will undoubtedly inspire attendees.
Irene Frisby, Managing Director of FQS, will serve as the NWED 2024 Ambassador. Irene brings extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and aviation security sectors, with her company supporting both local and global clients. FQS is known for its expert team, which offers compliance and training solutions.
Speaking about the event, Cllr. Fergal Browne , Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “National Women’s Enterprise Day is a crucial platform for recognising and celebrating the significant contributions of female entrepreneurs in our community. This event not only highlights the achievements of women who are leading the way in business but also provides invaluable opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development. By bringing together a diverse group of talented businesswomen, we aim to inspire future leaders, promote economic growth, and support innovation in Carlow and Kilkenny”.
A dynamic panel discussion will be a highlight of the upcoming event, featuring three distinguished professionals from diverse industries: Kate Gaynor, Rosemary Ward, and Linda Codoul. Each of these leaders brings unique expertise and experience, promising a rich and informative dialogue.
Kate Gaynor, Managing Director and Owner of Advanced Coatings, which includes The Paint Hub and Alchemist brands, will be one of the key speakers. Kate has a wealth of experience in the paint industry, having successfully expanded her business with a focus on sustainability and community engagement. Her insights into the challenges and opportunities within the paint industry, especially regarding sustainable practices, will be invaluable to attendees.
Joining her will be Rosemary Ward, Deputy CEO at Propelor (formerly South East BIC). Rosemary plays a crucial role in supporting innovative entrepreneurs, helping them access funding and scale their businesses. With a strong background in trade marketing and digital marketing strategy, Rosemary's contributions to the panel will shed light on the essential strategies for business growth and the importance of innovative thinking in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The panel will also feature Linda Codoul, a Business Support Specialist with a diverse background spanning banking, healthcare, and project management. As the 2021 President of Network Ireland Kilkenny Branch, Linda champions the 2024 theme "A Step Ahead," highlighting the importance of networking and support systems in professional growth. Her multifaceted experience and advocacy for networking make her a valuable voice in discussions on professional development and support mechanisms.
Together, these accomplished professionals will provide a comprehensive view of their respective fields, offering practical advice and strategies for success. The panel discussion promises to be an engaging session, full of insights that can help attendees navigate their professional journeys and achieve their goals.
This event promises to be a valuable opportunity for women in business to network, share experiences, and gain insights from leading female entrepreneurs and business experts.
Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor at Local Enterprise Office Carlow, said: "National Women's Enterprise Day is an important event for celebrating and supporting the achievements of female entrepreneurs in Carlow and Kilkenny. This year's event promises to be an inspiring showcase of talent and innovation, providing attendees with invaluable insights and networking opportunities We are delighted to feature an impressive line up of speakers and panellists who will share their expertise and experiences”.
Aisling Carey, Business Advisor at Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny said, "We are excited to bring National Women's Enterprise Day to the Woodford Dolmen Hotel this year. Our aim is to highlight the remarkable contributions of women in business and offer practical support to those looking to advance their entrepreneurial ventures. With engaging speakers and a vibrant panel discussion, this event will undoubtedly inspire and equip our local businesswomen to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact."
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