Female entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen from across Wicklow are encouraged to register for this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED), after the lineup for the event was announced. This initiative from the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) aims to inspire and support women in business. 

There are 15 events nationwide featuring a range of successful businesswomen, emerging female entrepreneurs and expert speakers in the areas of innovation, networking, sustainability and marketing.

The Wicklow NWED Event will run from 12 pm to 4 pm on Thursday, 15th October, in the Conference Centre at Clermont House, home to the LEO Offices in Rathnew. Lunch will be provided upon arrival, and tickets cost just €15, available for purchase online at www.localenterprise.ie/wicklow

This year’s theme, "Feeling the Fear - Making It Happen", will encourage businesswomen to take the next step in their journey, whether that involves acting on an idea, growing their business, or innovating.

The keynote speaker will be Claire Walsh, freediver, author, podcast host and breath coach. A proud resident of Wicklow Town, County Wicklow, Claire was the first person ever to represent Ireland at the Freediving World Championships in France in 2019.

With a background in theatre and movement, Claire is also a bestselling author. Her acclaimed memoir, Under Water, shortlisted for the An Post Sports Book of the Year 2023, shares her inspiring journey of reinvention, resilience, and discovering strength through challenge.

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 that encourage audiences to embrace discomfort, build resilience, and realise their full potential. Her keynote at National Women's Enterprise Day promises to be an inspiring, motivating, and memorable experience.

In addition, three LEO client businesses will discuss how practical LEO support schemes—such as business growth Grants, LEAN for Business, and Green for Business — have helped them on their journeys.  This panel consists of Alice Vignoles of Macha Yoga, Nodlaig Caffrey of Paper Petal Studios and Caroline Winstanley, speech and language therapist and current Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council.

Looking forward to the event an Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Dr. Caroline Winstanley said, “There are some amazing female entrepreneurs in County Wicklow, and I look forward to meeting them at the NWED event and hearing the inspiring stories of our guest speakers. Small businesses and sole traders are vital to the fabric of our society in this County, and this event is tailor-made for them.”

Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, added, “I would like to call on all female founders and entrepreneurs to come and join us on Thursday 15th October in Rathnew to network and celebrate the stories of these impressive speakers. There is nothing like supporting and learning from each other in business, especially for women who are often juggling many other responsibilities.”

2026 year marks the 20th anniversary of the nationwide LEO National Women’s Enterprise Day events. This year Vibeke Delahunt, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow heads up the National NWED Committee, as Co-Chair. She believes that “The theme for this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day on October 15th ‘Feeling the Fear - Making it Happen’ is relevant to all of us. Being in business gives you autonomy and control over your working life but also means continuously solving problems and getting used to being outside your comfort zone.  The aim of the Wicklow NWED event is to highlight all the LEO supports that can empower women in Wicklow who want to start or grow their businesses into the future.”

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices operate as part of the Local Authority and are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland. LEOs are a vital resource for any entrepreneur seeking support or advice. Since their inception, the Local Enterprise Offices have played a crucial role in creating tens of thousands of jobs nationwide. The team at LEO Wicklow works with thousands of businesses across a diverse range of sectors, offering mentoring, training, expert advice, and financial support to small businesses.

Tickets for this event, including a light lunch, cost €15 and are open to all.  To book your place and for more information on National Women’s Enterprise Day, go to www.localenterprise.ie/wicklow and look for the NWED banner.