The sun was shining on Thursday when over 150 women gathered at the stunning Carton House to hear three inspirational women – Norah Casey, Joan Burton and Terry McDermot – speak at the Women in Business Enterprise Week event.

Joan Burton, Minister for Social Protection, was the first to speak and opened by saying that the women in the room were inspirational Mna na hEireann 2011.

The numbers of women working and leading in business and politics have shown incremental growth in the last decade. Minister Burton was quick to point out that there are far more women in business than in politics in Ireland but that she was ‘working on it!’

Minister Burton commented that women have a tremendous capacity for working and supporting each other in business and that is why women’s only events are so important. She also spoke of the recently announced Jobs Initiative and the importance of encouraging internships in all areas of business.

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If you are based in or around Galway make sure you check out this great event, organised by one of our Contributors, Caroline McDonagh, and Developing Enterprises Skillsnet.
‘Breathe Fire into your Business – A Dragons Perspective’ with Sean Gallagher takes place in the Clayton Hotel, Galway from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday May 10th.

Attendance is free but you must register by emailing developingenterprisesskillnet@gmail.com

The event will focus on the challenges that businesses in the Border, Midlands & Western region are experiencing in today’s harsh economic climate. As an entrepreneur Gallagher understands the challenges of setting up and growing a successful business in Ireland. He is a passionate supporter and campaigner for entrepreneurs and small business owners and will bring with him the message of hope and inspiration in the face of adversity on his visit to Galway.

In addition to Sean Gallagher, speakers will include:

- Seamus Bree, Director, Western Region, Enterprise Ireland

- Breda Fox, CEO, Galway County and City Enterprise Board

- Caroline McDonagh, CEO, WIN – West of Ireland Networking

- Gert O’Rourke, Gert O’Rourke, Training and Development

For more information on Developing Enterprises Skillsnet click here.

Networking is always cited as a key activity for anyone who is starting out or attempting to grow their business. It’s gives people the chance to meet like-minded individuals, learn something new and make contacts which could turn into potential sales for their business. 

As you can see from our calendar, March is proving quite busy in terms of events for entrepreneurs and SMEs across the country, with a number of events focussed on getting ready for export.

Worth checking out to see what’s happening in your area:
Networking and Events

Bank of Ireland is hosting ‘Networking Week’ from 14^th – 18^th February. The event is part of our National Enterprise Programme and allows businesses to meet like minded business owners and entrepreneurs at a series of local networking events. Contact your local Bank of Ireland branch to find out what’s happening in your area.

Find your nearest branch

These type of events, as well as the Show your Business Weeks form part of the bank’s National Enterprise Programme, which is a series of events and initiatives to faciliate business amongst SMEs across the country.

Check out our Events Calendar for more upcoming events.

National Enterprise Week was launched on Friday to a full house at the House of Lords in Dublin.

Entrepreneurs and business owners gathered to hear keynote speakers such as the Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Eamonn Ryan and the Lord Mayor of Dublin Gerry Breen. …

Next Saturday, September 11^th, Galway plays host to Bizcamp – a free event where entrepreneurs of all disciplines can learn and share experiences with their peers.

Organisers expect that more than 200 Irish entrepreneurs, innovators and recession-rebounding business people will converge on NUI Galway’s Cairnes Business School on Saturday September 11 for the first ever Galway Bizcamp, a conference for networking, learning, and sharing. …

We couldn’t have asked for a better end to an already brilliant week!

Despite the perfect barbeque weather outside over 200 business owners and entrepreneurs ignored the sunshine and gathered at the Bewley’s Airport Hotel in Dublin on Wednesday 2nd of June to mark the end of National Enterprise Week. …

We’ve been delighted with the coverage that National Enterprise Week has received over the past few weeks.

The feedback from local businesses has been incredibly positive and they told allaboutbusiness.ie how much they enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their wares and promote their business to the public. …

The stands of Thomand Park might have been empty yesterday morning but the National Enterprise Week breakfast event certainly wasn’t! Over 250 local businesses owners and entrepreneurs came along to listen to speakers on the theme of ‘Surviving in Business’ over a full Irish breakfast!

MC for the event was former Munster and Ireland International Rugby player Frankie Sheahan who seemed just as comfortable at the podium as he used to look on the pitch. Allaboutbusiness.ie managed to drag Frankie away from the Munster supporters in the room for a quick interview about his new company, Front Row. You can watch the interview in our exclusive video section by clicking here. …