TWENTY years of female entrepreneurship is set to be celebrated in Donegal.
National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) returns on Thursday, October 15, marking 20 years.
Local Enterprise Office Donegal set to host a free evening event at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny.
As Ireland’s largest celebration of female entrepreneurship, NWED brings together women in business for a mix of inspiration, practical insight and connection. While the spotlight shines on this national event, it reflects a much wider body of work carried out by LEO Donegal throughout the year to cultivate and support female-led enterprise in the county.
LEO Donegal continues to prioritise the development of female entrepreneurship through targeted programmes, strategic funding and tailored supports. These efforts are not only about encouraging women to take the first step in business, but also ensuring the right structures are in place to help them scale. One such initiative is the Ambition Accelerator Programme, designed specifically for women with high-growth potential ventures. The programme focuses on helping women develop scalable businesses, access investment and create employment.
Speakers
The National Women’s Enterprise Day event offers an evening of insight, connection and celebration. Registration opens at 6pm, with the event running from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, and features a line-up of accomplished speakers and contributors from a range of sectors. MC for the evening is Mirenda Rosenberg, an educator, entrepreneur and empowerment advocate who creates transformative workshops and experiences.
Keynote speaker Laura Murphy is the founder of Oatco Superfuel, a rapidly growing natural energy brand. After securing investment from Steven Bartlett on Dragons’ Den, she expanded Oatco into more than 1,100 stores. A Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe honouree, Laura champions purpose-led brands that challenge traditional health and convenience categories.
She will be joined by a panel of accomplished businesswomen: Claire Irwin, chartered quantity surveyor and project manager known for her role on RTÉ’s Room to Improve; Breda Cullen, co-founder and Director of HR Team Services, with over 20 years’ experience in HR, employment law and business advisory services; Ciara McGlynn, co-founder of Donegal-based recruitment firm Niche Specialist Staffing Partners and host of The Preconstruction Podcast; and Karoline Sweeney, manager of Castle Grove Country House, President of Letterkenny Chamber and a Director of Food Coast Donegal.
The evening also includes short sessions covering everything from stress management to style, led by stress management specialist Mary Bradley, Hollie Marie Gallagher, founder of avant-garde luxury fashion brand Dare to Howl, and Ciara McVeigh, owner of LK Hair Design and Fitness LK.
Grace Korbel, Local Enterprise Office Donegal, said: “This year marks 20 years of National Women’s Enterprise Day, and it’s a chance to celebrate how far female entrepreneurship has come in Donegal. But more than an annual event, it reflects our ongoing commitment to women in business across the county. Through initiatives like the Ambition programme and a strong focus on access, visibility and connection, we’re working to build a stronger pipeline of female-led businesses, supporting women not just to start, but to scale and succeed.”
The NWED event is open to aspiring entrepreneurs, established business owners, and anyone interested in learning more about the supports and opportunities available to women in business.
Attendance is free. You can register by visiting: www.localenterprise.iedonegaltraining-eventsonline-bookingsnational-woman-s-enterprise-day-2026.html.
National Women’s Enterprise Day, taking place on Thursday, 15th October at the Clanree Hotel, highlights the importance of supporting female entrepreneurship across Donegal. Pictured are last year’s speakers.