Cork and Kerry to Host Major Women's Enterprise Day Event
Cork and Kerry's biggest women's enterprise event comes to Little Island on 16th October.
Female entrepreneurs across the South West will gather at Little Island next month for the region's biggest celebration of women in business, featuring industry leaders and networking opportunities.
The Local Enterprise Offices for Cork and Kerry will host National Women's Enterprise Day on Thursday, 16th October 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Little Island. The event, themed "Making It Happen", aims to inspire women at every stage of their business journey.
Síle Seoige, broadcaster and wellness speaker, will serve as MC and network facilitator for the day. The programme features an interactive panel discussion with successful local businesswomen, including Marie Toft from Emotionise AI, who also serves as the event's Regional Ambassador.
The panel of "Leading Lights" includes Norma Kelly from Praline Pastry & Chocolate Shop, Claire Keane from Second Street Bakeshop, and Yasmina Renaudin from RedaCare. Each will share insights from their entrepreneurial journeys across different sectors.
A highlight of the afternoon will be a fireside chat with Noella Gabriel, Global President and Co-Founder of luxury skincare brand ELEMIS. Gabriel's appearance offers attendees rare access to international business expertise.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley said:
"National Women's Enterprise Day is a significant event in our calendar each year. A celebration of female entrepreneurs and businesswomen, the event informs and inspires women at all stages of the business development journey."
The event targets women across the entrepreneurial spectrum, from those with initial business ideas to established company owners. Participants will learn about available supports including financial assistance, consultancy services, training programmes and mentoring opportunities.
The Local Enterprise Offices have supported job creation of over 75,000 positions nationwide since their establishment in 2014. They provide mentoring, training, expert advice and financial support to small businesses across diverse sectors.
Registration is essential through www.localenterprise.ie, with places limited. The initiative is funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.
The event represents collaboration between LEO South Cork, LEO Cork North & West, LEO Cork City, and LEO Kerry, demonstrating the region's commitment to supporting female entrepreneurship.
