Limerick plays host to region’s women’s day enterprise event

EMPOWERING businesses together was the order of the day at the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) regional conference which took place at Limerick city's Clayton Hotel.

Some 140 women from across the Mid-West were at the event where they enjoyed networking and learning from leading industry experts.

At the event - held to mark National Women’s Enterprise Day- attendees also learned about the supports available from the various enterprise offices across Ireland, which are in place to support small to medium sized enterprises.

Mayor of Limerick Gerald Mitchell opened the conference by emphasising the importance of the small business sector in delivering jobs, economic growth and improving the quality of life in the region.

“National Women’s Enterprise Day allows us to turn the spotlight on, and celebrate female entrepreneurship. It highlights the supports available and provides valuable networking opportunities and connections with industry experts. Supporting female entrepreneurship ensures we tap into our full potential of talent, ideas and economic opportunity,” Mayor Mitchell said.

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Senior development officer at LEO in Limerick, Ciara Farrell said there was massive demand for the event.

“Participants saw this event as an opportunity to network and to take time out to learn, refresh and get motivated. Being an entrepreneur, an owner and employer can be lonely. The National Women’s Enterprise Day empowers women through networking and sharing of knowledge to overcome challenges. Businesses owners often tell us they don’t have time – and then thank us when they do take the time out to reflect and get inspired,” she said.

The keynote speaker at the event was Fiona O’Carroll, a global expert in growing and scaling businesses.

She highlighted the growth mind-set, the strengths of a peer network and developing core business skills.

Compere Ciana Campbell interviewed a panel of female entrepreneurs and leaders.

In this number were Aoife Lenihan, managing director of Cara Motorhomes, Claire Bannon, managing director of Indigo and Nutshed co-founders, sisters Evie and Eliza Ward.

For more information on the supports Local Enterprise Office in Limerick can provide, please visit www.localenterprise.ie/limerick, or telephone 061-557499.