Published: Wednesday, 14th October, 2009 4:50pm

Westmeath at centre of National Women's Enterprise Day events

The National Women's Enterprise Day will be focused on Westmeath this year, with confirmation that the keynote conference will be held in Mullingar.

Last week Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan announced details for 'National Women's Enterprise Day' on November 20, calling on female entrepreneurs from every county and industry to take part in Ireland's biggest enterprise initiative of its kind in this year.

Organised by the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards, the annual conference and networking event is now in its third year, co-funded by the European Social Fund and the Irish Exchequer. One of the aims of 'National Women's Enterprise Day' is to seek recognition for the role of female entrepreneurship in Ireland, by showcasing enterprise success and putting female-owned microenterprises into the national spotlight.

Announcing the details the Tánaiste said: "One of my key messages for National Women's Enterprise Day is that if you are already in business or planning to start a new one, I would strongly urge you to seek out the enterprise supports that are on offer through the network of County and City Enterprise Boards.

Female entrepreneurs in particular, can benefit from a suite of supports, ranging from networking opportunities to expert mentoring to management development workshops."

The keynote speakers at this year's 'National Women's Enterprise Day' in Mullingar, based at The Mullingar Park Hotel include the Tánaiste, Minister Mary Coughlan; the co-founder of 'Green & Black's' organic chocolate company, Jo Fairley; Krishna De, an award-winning digital marketing guru and social media author and Rita Shah, founder of Monaghan-based Shabra Plastics Recycling.

There will also be a one-to-one mentoring clinicavailable for all delegates.

The cost to attend 'National Women's Enterprise Day' is priced at just €100 per person.

This fee includes lunch, refreshments, mentoring clinic, conference materials and attendance at the networking event on November 19th.

Further information about the 'National Women's Enterprise Day' is available at www.nwed.ie.