The Donegal Women in Business Network proudly marked its 25th anniversary at a conference in Lough Eske Castle yesterday, with 220 attendees from sectors across the north west.

Sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Donegal, the gala event was a celebration of the dynamic community the network has grown to become, supporting women at every stage of their business development from start-up to expansion and everything in-between. 

Founded in 1999, the network has played a pivotal role in supporting and promoting women-led businesses, offering invaluable networking opportunities, mentorship, and resources. Over the past 25 years, the network has grown exponentially, welcoming women from various sectors and helping them thrive in Donegal’s dynamic business landscape. 

Photo Stevie Toye, Logopix

The anniversary event brought together over 220 women from across Donegal. They were joined by some of Ireland’s most influential businesswomen, including keynote speaker, fashion stylist and television presenter, Sonya Lennon, and Newstalk broadcaster, Andrea Gilligan, who hosted proceedings. The day also featured panel discussions led by notable figures in business and education, along with a celebration of the achievements of women who have benefited from the network’s extensive support. The event also offered plenty of opportunities for networking, reflection and connection between attendees. 

To celebrate the milestone, the Donegal Women in Business Network also unveiled a fresh new logo – modern, dynamic, and reflective of the vibrant community it has built. 

Speaking about the network, President of the Donegal Women in Business Network, Larissa Feeney of Kinore said: “The Donegal Women in Business Network is celebrating 25 years of leading the way and empowering women in business across Donegal. For a quarter of a century, we have been a driving force for women entrepreneurs and professionals in our community. A vibrant and diverse group of ambitious women from various industries, we have one common goal: to support each other’s growth and success.”

The Donegal Women in Business Network proudly marked its 25th anniversary at an event in Lough Eske Castle, Donegal Town. Photo Stevie Toye, Logopix

Discussing the celebration, Larissa continued: “This event was not just about celebrating our past successes but inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs to dream bigger and aim higher. We are honoured that the network has played a part in the remarkable stories of so many women in business across Donegal. While we’re unveiling a fresh new identity today, the heart and legacy of the network remain unchanged. We look forward to the next chapter of empowering women and forging new paths for growth and success.”

The Local Enterprise Office in Donegal was also recognised for its unwavering support of the network from the outset. Working closely with the network over the past 25 years, the Local Enterprise Office has played a vital role in helping the network grow and thrive, offering funding, mentorship, and resources that have empowered female entrepreneurship in the county.

Commenting on the partnership, Head of Enterprise, Brenda Hegarty said: “We, at the Local Enterprise Office, are so proud of the progress the Donegal Women in Business Network has made over the past 25 years, as well as the people who have been a part of that journey. The network’s growth from the early days to a thriving community of empowered entrepreneurs has transformed the business landscape for women in Donegal. The future is bright, and with collaboration and ambition at its core, the Donegal Women in Business Network is going from strength to strength. We look forward to seeing  what the next 25 years has in store.”

If you, or someone you know, would like to join the Donegal Women In Business Network and explore the diverse range of benefits that come with membership, designed to enhance your business, expand your network, and support your professional growth, visit: https://donegalwomeninbusiness.com/