Women get down to business in Ireland

Up to 100 female entrepreneurs from the US and Ireland are expected to attend an event in Ireland,Cork this week, aimed at broadening their networks and business horizons.

The Cork Foundation believes that entrepreneurship is essential as Cork works to establish itself. Start-up businesses account for around two thirds of new jobs created in Ireland, but access to finance remains the number one barrier for entrepreneurs.The event is being hosted by non-profit organisation Cork Foundation in the Rochestown Park Hotel on Wednesday, and will celebrate the role entrepreneurship plays in society.

Vodafone Ireland chief executive Anne O’Leary will be the keynote speaker on the night.

“Traditionally entrepreneurship has been male-led but it’s encouraging to see an increasing number of women taking the leap and starting their own business,” she said.

“It’s events like this that are invaluable for networking and learning from peers in order for entrepreneurs to develop significant growth aspirations for their business,” she added.

Founder and chief executive of Leading Women Entrepreneurs Linda Wellbrock and Tara Gilvar, founder and chief executive of BIG (Believe Inspire Grow), are the driving forces behind the US involvement. They are leading the delegation of eight women entrepreneurs and business owners from the US. Ms Gilvar said the event will be “mutually beneficial for both US and Irish entrepreneurs as we work to expand our business horizons”.

During the morning session, 10 female entrepreneurs from the region are invited to present their business ideas to the American delegates. One home-based entrepreneur will be selected to travel to New York in December where they will have the opportunity to meet with key individuals that can assist in the development of their company within the US market.

The earlier event will be followed by the broader networking evening, where up to 100 leading Irish businesswomen are invited to mingle with the US delegates and showcase the best of what Ireland has to offer to the business world. An artisan picnic will feature on the night, with a selection highlighting some of Cork’s finest food producers.