Calling all ambitious Donegal women: The 'Fuelling Ambition - Steps to Success’ Roadshow will take place for female entrepreneurs in the North West this May.

The ‘Fuelling Ambition – Steps to Success’ North West event, organised by Enterprise Ireland and Network Ireland, in conjunction with the Sligo Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and the Entrepreneurs Academy, will take place in The Canis Major, Clayton Hotel (formerly Clarion Hotel) Sligo on Thursday 11 May 2017 at 6pm.

The event is free of charge to existing and potential entrepreneurs and business women. Booking is strongly advised.

The event aims to encourage, support and drive the ambition of female entrepreneurs in the North West and across the country. Bernie Butler, Good4U and Ana Faye, Ana Faye Handbags, two thriving Irish entrepreneurs, will share their business journeys and their ‘steps to success’ at the event.

Building on the successful ‘Fuelling Ambition’ initiative introduced in 2016, this year’s roadshow will feature an Elevator Pitch competition with a prize package worth €4,000 at each event including:

  • 10 sessions with Enterprise Ireland Mentors
  • Attendance at Enterprise Ireland’s Excel at Export Selling training programme
  • Annual membership of Network Ireland
  • Leadership training programme with the Entrepreneurs Academy, a national entrepreneur development organisation

Pictured at the launch of the “Fuelling Ambition: Steps to Success” North West roadshow are: L-R Caroline Gordon, Network Ireland; Marian Harkin MEP; Ana Faye, Ana Faye Handbags; Bernie Butler, Good4U; Liam Kiely, LEO Sligo and Carole Brenan, Enterprise Ireland

Representatives from Enterprise Ireland, the LEOs and Network Ireland will be on hand to discuss the wide range of supports available to female entrepreneurs and those thinking of starting their own businesses. The event will also provide an opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs and business people.

Sarita Johnston, Head of Female Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Ireland, who will be in The Clayton Hotel on the night said: “A key focus for Enterprise Ireland is supporting companies to start, innovate and scale by realising their growth potential and global ambition.

“We want to see more women starting their own businesses and more women successfully scaling their existing businesses. We are delighted to be working with Network Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and the Entrepreneurs Academy to connect with and encourage as many existing and potential female entrepreneurs as possible.”

Caroline Gordon, National Executive, Network Ireland said: “Network Ireland is the leading networking organisation for professional women in Ireland. We are delighted to bring the ‘Fuelling Ambition – Steps to Success’ roadshow to the Sligo this year. Bernie and Ana have a wealth of business knowledge and I think it’s a real opportunity for other business women to hear what they did to get to where they are today and to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs in the area”.

Liam Kiely, Sligo LEO said: “We will all learn so much from these entrepreneurs who have inspirational business stories. An exciting addition to this year’s event is the Elevator Pitch competitions which are open to all attendees. A valuable prize package worth €4,000 at each event is up for grabs to help the winner with their own steps to success”.

Facilitator for the event is Marian Harkin, MEP and the committee is delighted that Marian is taking time out of her busy schedule to be present on the night.

Full details and booking information are available on www.enterprise-ireland.com/ambitiouswomen; www.networkireland.ie and www.localenterprise.ie fuellingambitionsligo.eventbrite.ie