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Female entrepreneurs are being sought for a pitch competition that will distribute nearly €30,000 worth of prizes across seven locations.
Enterprise Ireland is bringing a pitch competition to seven locations around Ireland in the coming months, with prizes on offer for current and future female entrepreneurs.
Called the ‘Steps to Success’ roadshow, this is the second running of the competition. Network Ireland, in conjunction with local enterprise offices (LEOs), is supporting the scheme.
The aim of the project is to encourage female entrepreneurs nationally, by showcasing the already thriving Irish businesswomen and entrepreneurs at either Enterprise Ireland or LEO client companies.
Each event will feature a pitch competition with €4,000 worth of prizes, made up of mentoring sessions, business and leadership training, and annual membership to Network Ireland.
The free roadshow will visit Wicklow (5 April), Kilkenny (6 April), Portlaoise (25 April), Castlebar (26 April), Sligo (11 May), Bunratty (14 June) and Cavan (28 June).
“A key focus for Enterprise Ireland is supporting companies to start, innovate and scale by realising their growth potential and global ambition,” said Julie Sinnamon, CEO of Enterprise Ireland.
Sinnamon noted female entrepreneurship in Ireland sits at just 20pc at present, though that has risen from 7pc just six years ago.
Calling the upward trend “very encouraging”, Sinnamon claimed Enterprise Ireland wants it to keep rising, with the creation of start-ups and scaling up of services the priority.
“The objective of these roadshows is to encourage and develop female entrepreneurship regionally,” said Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD.
“These roadshows will provide insights into the ‘steps to success’ taken by successful businesswomen and entrepreneurs right across the country.
“I urge every woman, be she an existing businesswoman, or one thinking of starting her own business, to come along to these events.
“It could be the first step to success for some, and the next steps to success for others. Each event will be informative, interesting and packed with encouragement and ambition.”
