Empowering Business Together: Over 200 Women Unite to Celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day in Cork

More than 200 women came together to celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day in Dunmore House, Clonakilty. The event, which was hosted by Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Office Cork North and West, is one of Ireland’s largest celebrations of female entrepreneurship and saw women from various business backgrounds come together for a full day programme with a blend of inspiration, motivation, education, and entertainment.

Celebrating its 17th year, National Women’s Enterprise Day addresses real-life issues affecting women in business, recognising that while daily business operations are crucial for success, so too are a healthy work life balance, family, and mental wellbeing. Cork based MC Amy Jane Keating, Host and Creator of the “Go Do You” podcast was the host and facilitator of the event and energised the audience during a motivating networking session focused on the event’s theme, “Empowering Business Together”.

Successful entrepreneur Patricia Kane, Sustainability Strategist, Founder of Reuzi.ie & Sustainability Chief Officer at Pragmatica was a Guest Speaker and spoke about The Power of One in making change, taking responsibility for sustainable practices in business.

Keynote Speaker, Laura Dowling, aka The Fabulous Pharmacist and Founder of fabÜ Wellness, shared the story of her leap into entrepreneurship and the importance of prioritizing health and wellbeing for women in their busy daily lives.

In attendance at the event, deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Deirdre Kelly said, “This annual event serves as a vital platform, encouraging women in business to come together, share their achievements, and ignite inspiration in others. It's a community where success stories are told, dreams are nurtured, and paths are illuminated, and Cork County Council is proud to facilitate such important events.”

Addressing attendees at the event, Sharon Corcoran, Director of Services, Economic Development, Enterprise & Tourism, Cork County Council said, “National Women’s Enterprise Day empowers women in business by addressing the holistic needs of entrepreneurs, recognising that success goes far beyond the balance sheet. Empowering and celebrating female entrepreneurs is not just a one-time effort but a continuous commitment. This commitment has seen vast changes in the landscape of female entrepreneurship, with an increase of over 400% in the number of female founders being supported through Enterprise Ireland’s high potential Start-Ups fund since 2011. This progress is a testament to the unwavering determination of female entrepreneurs and to the supports made available to them along the way, particularly the personal supports and advice offered by our Local Enterprise Offices.”

Event Ambassador and Leading Light representing LEO Cork North & West, Caroline Murphy of West Cork Eggs said, “We are here today with completely different stories, journeys, and backgrounds, yet we are here to grow together, forge new friendships and learn on this path. Never could I have imagined that the purchase of 4 hens in 2009 would lead me to 3,500 free range hens and to running my business, West Cork Eggs. Life has a beautiful way of taking you to where you need to be when you allow it to, and I hope that each of you allow yourselves to learn and be led to a business of dreams and maybe today is the start of that for many of you.”

National Women’s Enterprise Day is led by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, and funded by the Government of Ireland, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Local Authorities.