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'Necessity' women entrepreneurs targeted

Monday, September 17 10:46:12

Irish women who set up a business "out of necessity" are among those being targeted for supports by the organisers of this year's National Women's Enterprise Day on October 18th.

Since 2007, there has been a dramatic increase in the numbers of women and men who have set up their own businesses "out of necessity", up from 6pc of early stage entrepreneurs five years ago, to 33pc last year (Source: GEM).

The County and City Enterprise Boards are organising a major two day conference, exhibition and mentoring clinic on October 17th and 18th to mark National Women's Enterprise Day, and are encouraging all female entrepreneurs to avail of the business supports on offer.

Co-funded by the European Social Fund with support from the Department of Justice and Equality through the Equality for Women Measure, National Women's Enterprise Day is being organised to highlight opportunities for women, who have already set up a business or who might be considering the move.

Louise Fleming from the County and City Enterprise Boards' organising committee feels that women who have to set up a business 'out of necessity' have a lot to gain by seeking advice and supports. She said: "Entrepreneurs might still need to look for new business ideas, especially if they haven't set up a business in response to an identified business opportunity."

Fleming continued: "Through National Women's Enterprise Day, entrepreneurs can access experienced business mentors for one-to-one confidential appointments, they can speak to various support and state agencies at the enterprise exhibition and they can meet like-minded entrepreneurs at the facilitated networking events. In addition, they can hear the stories and real-life experiences of fifteen different women in business,who have achieved success in their chosen fields."

Kathleen Lynch.T.D, Minister for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People will deliver the opening address on the eve of National Women's Enterprise Day, after a two-hour workshop dedicated to technology and social media. Clinical Psychologist and Author, Dr. Maureen Gaffney is one of two keynote speakers on October 18th, alongside Mary McKenna from Tour America, with Tv3's Collette Fitzpatrick taking on the role of conference facilitator.

The 'FAB! Females at Business' panel that morning includes four highly-accomplished women: Nicola Byrne from 11890, Linda O' Shea Farren, CEO of the Irish American Peace Foundation, Orlaigh Carmody from Mediatraining.ie and Barrister and former RTE broadcaster, Theresa Lowe.