Women encouraged to ‘Make It Happen’

By Dan Walsh

Entrepreneurs and budding businesswomen from across Co. Wexford are being encouraged to “Make It Happen” in 2024 at this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day, organised by the Local Enterprise Office Wexford and held in Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford, recently.

Wexford’s event heard from Martina Fitzgerald, CEO of Scale Ireland, and former broadcaster, who explained to the audience how her upbringing framed her experience of business and entrepreneurship. Like many women, Martina’s exposure to strong female leadership and example continues to this day to impact and influence her career!

Continuing with the theme of “if you see it, you can be it”, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Pip Breen also credited strong women – his mother and grandmother, with influencing his life and work ethos. “Today’s event is all about leadership and empowerment – the speakers here this morning are true visionaries and innovators in their industries and are known as generous and empowering advocates of other businesswomen.

“The opportunity to listen, learn and lead are enormous in this room today. From small business owners to tech innovators, these women are the backbone of our economy. They bring diverse perspectives, drive innovation, and create jobs, all while balancing the demands of family and community,” concluded Cllr Breen.

This theme of listen, learn and lead was prevalent throughout the event with businesses from across the county and across many sectors being represented in the room. Panellists Ann O’Brien from Kent Stainless, Deborah Cogley of Deborah Cogley Art and Liz Nolan of Dampdoctor, gave three very different perspectives on business growth, scaling and pushing ahead – but they all spoke of the value of networking and the advice and support of their peers in helping them grow their businesses.

The theme of this year’s event, “Making It Happen”, encourages businesswomen to take that next step, whether that be to act on an idea, grow their business or take steps to change or innovate in their business. Wexford’s NWED (National Women’s Enterprise Day) Ambassador Liz Nolan from Dampdoctor spoke about her own business’s journey.

Head of Enterprise and Economic Development Breege Cosgrave, divulged that NWED 2024 attendance numbers were vastly up on other years, with approximately 2,500 businesswomen registered to attend NWED events last Thursday. “This is testament to the work and supports that the LEO’s offer to all businesses, not just to female led business. Our ambition in promoting female entrepreneurship is in line with Enterprise Ireland’s strategy to increase the number of female-led companies growing internationally by 100% by 2025, and here we are, all working together on days like today – Making It Happen”!