The keynote speaker will bring message of resilience and courage to an event aimed at helping women pursue new opportunities and grow their businesses

Wicklow freediver, author and podcast host Claire Walsh will share her experience of overcoming fear and uncertainty when she headlines this year’s Wicklow National Women’s Enterprise Day event.

The October 15 event, organised by Local Enterprise Office Wicklow, will bring together female entrepreneurs, business owners and aspiring founders for an afternoon of networking, discussion and practical advice under the theme ‘Feeling the Fear – Making It Happen’.

Ms Walsh made history in 2019 as the first person to represent Ireland at the Freediving World Championships.

Her memoir, Under Water, was shortlisted for the An Post Sports Book of the Year Award in 2023. She also hosts the podcast Scared Shitless, which examines how people can overcome fear and uncertainty.

A panel discussion featuring three Wicklow businesswomen will also form part of the programme.

Participants include Alice Vignoles of Macha Yoga, Nodlaig Caffrey of Paper Petal Studio and Cllr Caroline Winstanley, who currently serves as Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council and is also a speech and language therapist.

The discussion will focus on their business experiences and the role of Local Enterprise Office supports, including business growth grants and programmes such as Lean for Business and Green for Business.

Speaking ahead of the event, Cllr Winstanley said small businesses and sole traders are “vital to the fabric of our society in this county” and said she looked forward to hearing the experiences of speakers and attendees.

Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O’Gorman said the event would provide an opportunity for networking and learning among female entrepreneurs.

“There is nothing like supporting and learning from each other in business,” she said, “especially for women who are often juggling many other responsibilities.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary of National Women’s Enterprise Day.

Vibeke Delahunt, head of enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Wicklow and co-chair of the national organising committee, said the theme reflected the challenges faced by many business owners as they seek to grow and develop their enterprises.

The Wicklow event will run from 12pm to 4pm at the Conference Centre in Clermont House, Rathnew, where the county’s LEO is based.

Tickets cost €15 and include a light lunch. Bookings can be made via localenterprise.ie/wicklow.