Listening, learning and sharing is the plan for the Donegal Women in Business Network's highly-anticipated Connect to Grow conference.

The Donegal Women in Business Network invite you to join them for a day of hospitality, exclusive networking and shared learning opportunities on Wednesday September 13th 2017 at Harvey’s Point Hotel, Donegal.

Donegal Women in Business Network members. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin

The Connect to Grow conference will have a panel of amazing speakers and supports to encourage Donegal women to achieve growth and prosperity in their business.

Majella O’Donnell of Donegal Mind Wellness, Paula Fitzsimons of Fitzsimons Consulting and Susan Hayes Culleton of Hayes Culleton Group are the keynote speakers, as well as other inspirational campaigners, creatives and businesswomen Evelyn Mc Glynn, Nikki Bradley, Evelyn Mc Glynn and Finn Ní Fhaoláin.

You can book on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/donegal-women-in-business-network…

The theme of the inspirational day event is Connect to Grow, which offers all women with an interest in business the opportunity to network with others and grow their business.

The event takes place from 10am to 4.30pm on Wednesday, 13th September, 2017 in The Garden Suite, which is the brand-new conference centre at Harvey’s Point Hotel, near Donegal Town.

The Event ticket includes:

  • Morning and afternoon coffee, as well as a light lunch
  • Inspirational talks from keynote speakers
  • Panel discussion from innovative speakers from Donegal Women in Business Network
  • Access to one-to-one advice from enterprise and funding bodies
  • FREE digital advice in the digital corner with Marie Shields
  • Extensive networking opportunities
  • Optional, further networking at the famous Harvey’s Point cabaret later that evening, (see ticket options) and concessions are available for those wishing to stay in the hotel.

After almost 20 years in business, the Network has shown great growth as a collective and their Connect to Grow Conference is open to everyone from business owners, to those interested in business, to managers and mums. This includes women involved in the business of not-for-profit groups and employees in a business – everyone is welcome!

Donegal Women in Business Network Connect to Grow Conference 2017

A look at the line-up for the day:

FACILITATOR
Brenda Donagher – Rural Enterprise Skillnet
The Donegal Women in Business Network is delighted to announce that Brenda Donagher, Network Manager, from Rural Enterprise Skillnet, will be acting as the facilitator throughout the day.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Paula Fitzsimons – Fitzsimons Consulting
Paula is the founder of Fitzsimons Consulting, which specialises in entrepreneurship and growth. She is the driving force behind initiatives such as Going for Growth, ACORNS and Senior Enterprise, which have all been recognised for their excellence. Paula’s advice is frequently sought in areas associated with entrepreneurship and growth and she is regular speaker at national and international conferences.

Susan Hayes Culleton – Hayes Culleton Group
Susan is Managing Director of Hayes Culleton and is a professional speaker to audiences all over the world. Susan co-authored of “Positive Economics”, a Leaving Certificate Economics textbook and published “The Savvy Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom” and “The Savvy Guide to Making More Money” with Penguin Ireland. Susan’s three core principles are to encourage her audiences to focus on what they can do, to practice what she preaches, and to offer practical and immediately implementable insights.

Majella O’Donnell – Campaigner and Broadcaster
As the founder of the charity Donegal Mind Wellness, Majella’s aim is to help people throughout the county to help themselves be more positive and hopeful to find ways to deal with everyday life, which can be very tough, especially for those who are isolated or living alone. Majella is also an accomplished businesswoman, singer, author and broadcaster, who has learned about life the hard way, but who, with the love and support of her family and her husband Daniel, and the public by her side, has come through with a force of character and a deep-seated determination that will inspire us all.

OTHER SPEAKERS (from the Donegal Women in Business Network)

Evelyn Mc Glynn – Evelyn Mc Marketing
Evelyn provides creative marketing solutions and brand awareness for all businesses on a limited budget, including not-for-profit and community projects, such as the Donegal Women in Business Network, Donegal Mammy, Trash ‘n’ Fashion and #Revealtheteen. Putting her heart and soul into everything she does, Evelyn loves to find out what each client needs and then she does it – no time wasting – no marketing jargon – just marketing action and results!

Evelyn McMarketing Photo by: Rachel McLaughlin, DonegalWoman.ie

Edel MacBride – Edel MacBride & Knitfield
Edel’s early collections were a reflection of new possibilities for Donegal tweed. Today, her company researches, develops, designs and hand makes some of the world’s most beautiful clothing. Edel also runs knitting retreats and workshops, and is still firmly committed to producing locally made exciting artisan textiles, that shines a light on our heritage worldwide. Luxurious, creative and timeless. A family company connecting the past to the future.

Edel MacBride

Nikki Bradley – Nikki Bradley Speaks
Diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer at sixteen (Ewing’s Sarcoma), Nikki has been on a truly unique journey. In 2013 Nikki set up a fitness based awareness campaign called Fighting Fit For Ewing’s where she regularly partakes in physical challenges to highlight the importance of exercise for rehabilitation. Her life experience has proven useful to others and provides a little perspective for those who need it.

Nikki Bradley

Finn Ní Fhaoláin – Fins Fit Food
Finn’s food journey began when she was diagnosed as a coeliac. That difficult road led to a beautiful destination, where Finn has created food that’s not only nutritious and gluten-free, but tastes amazing too! For Finn, a healthy life is about balancing the mind and body through good food, fun exercise, living in a good environment and surrounding yourself with great people.

Finn Ní Fhaoláin – Fins Fit Food

From personal to financial growth, youth, diversity, export, as well as managing family life – all the talks and discussions will address the core areas of growth and challenges that arise for women in business.

All with their own unique take on these challenges, these speakers will offer inspiration and motivation through their own life experience, on how they grew their business.

During the day, there will also be FREE, informative, one-to-one sessions with enterprise bodies who will be offering help and advice on funding, training and how to build your business which include:

  • Donegal Local Enterprise Office
  • Rural Enterprise Skillnet
  • LYIT
  • Enterprise Ireland
  • Donegal Local Development Company
  • Údarás Na Gaeltachta
  • Inishowen Partnership Company
  • The BASE Enterprise Centre
  • Regional Skills Fora, and
  • A range of other support bodies, and a number of Donegal Women in Business Network members exhibiting their business and services throughout the day.

Finally, the Network also wishes to acknowledge the generous support of the Donegal Local Enterprise Office, and Rural Enterprise Skillsnet who have given in terms of sponsorship for this event. If you would also like to sponsor this event, please do get in touch.

Donegal Women in Business Network President – Deirdre McGlone, Harvey’s Point Hotel

Little choices shape your destiny – this moment could be the beginning of a new direction – you can’t afford not to join us on 13th September!

As with previous years, this event is expected to sell out fast, so book early to avoid disappointment.

All promotional stand tickets are now sold out and other ticket options are selling fast! Tickets available here.

Many of the attendees are also going to make a night of it with further networking and socialising at the famous Harvey’s Point Cabaret. And, if you haven’t been to Harvey’s Point, or their Cabaret – you don’t know what you’re missing! Click on option Event Ticket & Cabaret on Eventbrite to book.

For more information on the event, or sponsorship opportunities please visit www.donegalwomeninbusiness.com, email donegalwomeninbusinessnetwork@gmail.com, or contact Evelyn Mc Glynn on 087 224 6989.