Fingal’s Women in Business Turn Out in Big Numbers at National Women’s Enterprise Day 2025

Image: Rose McGahan (Senior Enterprises Development Officer – LEO Fingal), Cuty Gupta, CozmoTec (NWED Ambassador for LEO Fingal), and Sharon Rossignuolo (Fingal Enterprising Women’s Network Coordinator).

Dublin City hosted this year's National Women's Enterprise Day on Thursday, October 16th, at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel on Golden Lane. 
This regional event, which was officially opened by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Mr Peter Burke T.D. and organised by the four Dublin Local Enterprise Offices, is Ireland's flagship event for women in business, designed to celebrate and accelerate female entrepreneurship. With more than 300 women in the room on the day the event, hosted by Dublin City Council and LEO Dublin City, welcomed female founders and business leaders from all four local authority areas in Dublin. LEO Dublin City, LEO Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, LEO Fingal and LEO South Dublin.
Speaking about the Event, Rose McGahan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer at LEO Fingal said: “It’s great to see so many coming together to attend our regional event. With women in business networks in all four Dublin LEOs growing in the last few years, it’s no wonder we have 300+ strong female entrepreneurs looking to attend, learn and network to improve, enhance and get the most out of their businesses and become business leaders of the future for Dublin”
The day was led by Newstalk's Jess Kelly and featured a welcome from Anthony Flynn, Assistant Chief Executive of DCC, followed by the official opening of the event by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Mr Peter Burke T.D. There was then an address from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Ray McAdam. The program was packed with presentations and spotlight sessions from a diverse group of talented speakers
Ciara Troy, the founder of Oishii Foods was there to deliver a keynote address, sharing her journey from starting a Dublin market stall to building Ireland's leading handmade sushi brand. Oishii Foods has since grown into a trusted brand across Ireland.
Hailing from Fermanagh Comedian, storyteller and businesswoman Helen McNulty, was with us to deliver some of her unique insights with a comedic twist.
Life and leadership coach Alana Kirk presented a spotlight session titled "What beliefs are holding you back, why you have them and how to bust them" aimed at helping women live a "better, bolder, brighter" life.
Louise O'Connor, from Rethink Digital Advisory, led a session on "Embracing technology to achieve your goals," drawing on her 20 years of experience in digital transformation.
The event also featured a fireside chat and panel discussion with the four Dublin National Women's Enterprise Day Ambassadors: Sylvia Kennedy representing LEO Dublin City, Wynne Li representing LEO Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Cuty Gupta representing LEO Fingal, and Dr. Mamobo Ogoro representing LEO South Dublin. The day concluded with a closing address by Grainne Denning, Head of Enterprise (Acting) at LEO Dublin City, who emphasized the importance of using LEO supports to grow businesses.
Attendees had multiple opportunities for networking and collaboration, reflecting the post-COVID trend of entrepreneurs actively seeking out collaborative opportunities with likeminded individuals and the value of lifelong learning. The day was designed to encourage participants to connect with other attendees and support bodies, ensuring they leave with a plan to tap into the available resources.