Inspirational 'National Women's Enterprise Day' Event In LEO Offices, Rathnew
National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) 2026 was celebrated in style on Thursday, 15th October at Wicklow County Campus, Rathnew, where 120 female business owners gathered for the occasion. This annual event is organised by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wicklow and funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Local Authorities.
Louise Fleming, Senior Enterprise Development Officer at LEO Wicklow commenced proceedings by introducing Helena Dennehy, Director of Services for Planning, Economic, and Rural Development at Wicklow County Council, who welcomed attendees.
Cllr. Dr. Caroline Winstanley, an Cathaoirleach, Wicklow County Council, welcomed the large crowd and spoke about Wicklow County Council’s support for women in business through the Local Enterprise Office. Cllr. Dr. Caroline Winstanley is also the owner of a thriving speech and language therapy business in Bray, and she commented that “The theme for this year's event, "Feel the Fear but Make it Happen", resonates strongly with me, both as Cathaoirleach and as a woman who has built and grown a business. Today is about more than celebrating success. It is about creating connections, sharing experiences, learning from one another and ensuring that every woman with an idea, an ambition or a business dream knows that support is available.”
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, expressed her support of this important annual event, adding that “Wicklow County Council’s long-standing backing of National Women’s Enterprise Day, through the practical supports of the LEO, have allowed a vibrant culture of female entrepreneurship to flourish in the county. This is evidenced by the very impressive attendance at NWED 2026, the energy in the room, and the fact that all four guest speakers are proud female business owners living and working in County Wicklow. This year’s event is particularly special as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of National Women's Enterprise Day, an initiative that has become one of Ireland's most important celebrations of women in business and female entrepreneurship. Over the past two decades, the event has shone a spotlight on the achievements, ambitions, resilience and innovation of women in business across the country. I encourage all those considering starting a business, or growing an existing one, to contact with LEO Wicklow and learn what supports are available to them.”
The Wicklow NWED event, one of 16 held across the country on that day, ran from 12-4pm at Clermont House, Wicklow County Campus, Rathnew, with lunch served upon arrival.
The keynote speaker was Claire Walsh, a local Wicklow Town resident, originally from Kildare and an author, podcast host, freediver and coach. With a background in theatre and movement, Claire is also a bestselling author. Her acclaimed memoir, Under Water was shortlisted for the An Post ‘Sports Book of the Year 2023’. This book shares her inspiring journey of reinvention, resilience, and discovering strength through challenge. In 2019 Claire was the first person ever to represent Ireland at the Freediving World Championships in France.
Claire is also the host of the ‘Scared Shitless’ podcast, where she explores how fear can both hold us back and become a powerful catalyst for growth and positive change. A regular contributor across television, radio, and TEDx events, Claire is renowned for delivering engaging, thought-provoking talks, which is exactly what she delivered at NWED 2026.
In addition to Claire's presentation, three LEO client businesses shared how various practical LEO support schemes, such as the Priming Grant, LEAN for Business, Management Development Programmes and mentoring have helped them in their business journeys. The panel consisted of Alice Vignoles of Macha Yoga in Bray; Nodlaig Caffrey of The Paper Petal Studio, Kilpedder who designs dramatic paper petal displays for events and Dr. Caroline Winstanley, who spoke about leading a team of therapists offering autism assessment services in Bray, in addition to being a Social Democrats Councillor for Bray West the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council.
All four speakers received rapturous applause, and the event concluded with an address from the Head of Enterprise of LEO Wicklow, Vibeke Delahunt. Remembered at the event with a minute’s silence was Lisa Cunningham, a much-valued mentor to thousands of LEO Wicklow clients, who sadly passed away on 10th October.
For more information on how to engage with LEO Wicklow for those at the pre-start, start-up, or growth phases of their business, please visit www.localenterprise.ie/wicklow or call the LEO team at 0404 30800.
Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are part of the local authority structure and funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland. LEOs serve as essential resources for any entrepreneur seeking support or advice. Since their inception, the Local Enterprise Offices have contributed to the creation of over 75,000 jobs across the country. The team at LEO Wicklow collaborates with thousands of client companies in County Wicklow across various sectors, offering mentoring, training, expert advice, and financial supports to small businesses.