Enterprise Ireland and Network Ireland launch nationwide Fuelling Ambition ‘Steps to Success’ Roadshow for female entrepreneurs

Enterprise Ireland and Network Ireland, in conjunction with the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and the Entrepreneurs Academy, is announcing the 2nd nationwide Fuelling Ambition “Steps to Success” roadshow targeting existing and potential female entrepreneurs.

The aim of the roadshow is to encourage, support and drive the ambition of female entrepreneurs nationally by showcasing the ‘Steps to Success’ of thriving Irish business women and entrepreneurs who are either Enterprise Ireland or LEO client companies.

The roadshow will visit Wicklow (5 April), Kilkenny (6 April), Portlaoise (25 April), Castlebar (26 April), Sligo (11 May), Bunratty (14 June) and Cavan (28 June).

Building on the successful ‘Fuelling Ambition’ initiative introduced in 2016, this year’s roadshow will feature an Elevator Pitch competition with a prize package worth €4,000 at each location including:

10 sessions with Enterprise Ireland Mentors and attendance at Enterprise Ireland’s Excel at Export Selling training programme.

Annual membership of Network Ireland.

Leadership training programme with the Entrepreneurs Academy, a national entrepreneur development organisation that has trained and supported 30,000 start-ups and small businesses.

Participants at the roadshow will hear from relevant keynote speakers and successful female entrepreneurs who will share their experiences and insights on the road to business success. Representatives from Enterprise Ireland, the LEOs and Network Ireland will be on hand to discuss the wide range of supports available to female entrepreneurs and those thinking of starting their own businesses. The events will also provide an opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs and business people.

Launching the roadshows, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD said: “The objective of these roadshows is to encourage and develop female entrepreneurship regionally. These roadshows will provide insights into the ‘steps to success’ taken by successful business women and entrepreneurs right across the country. I urge every woman, be she an existing business woman, or one thinking of starting her own business, to come along to these events. It could be the first step to success for some, and the next steps to success for others. Each event will be informative, interesting and packed with encouragement and ambition.”

Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland, said: “A key focus for Enterprise Ireland is supporting companies to start, innovate and scale by realising their growth potential and global ambition. Female entrepreneurship in Ireland is currently at 20% – up from just 7% six years ago. This upward trend is very encouraging, but we want to see more women starting their own businesses and more women successfully scaling their existing businesses. We are delighted to be working with Network Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and the Entrepreneurs Academy to connect with and encourage as many existing and potential female entrepreneurs as possible.”Enterprise Ireland:- Launch of Euro 1 Million International Entrepreneur and Graduate Competitive Start Funds.
Iain White/Fennell Photography. Fennell Photography 2017.

President of Network Ireland, Rebecca Harrison said: “Network Ireland is the leading networking organisation for professional women in Ireland and we are delighted to bring the ‘Fuelling Ambition – Steps to Success’ roadshow to women across Ireland. The event aims to further encourage, support and drive the ambition of female entrepreneurs nationally and locally. Inspirational business women and entrepreneurs will share their ‘steps to success’ with hundreds of existing and potential female entrepreneurs over the next three months. An exciting addition to this year’s event is the Elevator Pitch competitions which are open to all attendees. An exciting prize package worth €4,000 at each event will help fast-track the seven regional winners through the steps to success.”

The roadshows are free of charge to existing and potential entrepreneurs and business women. To avoid disappointment, booking is strongly advised. Full details and booking information are available on www.enterprise-ireland.com/ambitiouswomen; www.networkireland.ie and www.localenterprise.ie/