Women who grow businesses gather beside the Roses

The second annual Enterprise Ireland International Business Women’s Conference kicks off in Tralee on Monday, in conjunction with the Rose of Tralee festival.

The conference will bring together leaders from across the business and entrepreneurial spectrum to celebrate the achievements and success stories .

Speakers include Cool Beans co-founder Sarah O’Connor, Rose of Tralee Elysha Brennan, Survival Russian CEO Anastasia Volkova, head of business banking at AIB Catherine Moroney, Enterprise Ireland chief executive Julie Sinnamon, Rose of Tralee social media manager Rebecca Kemp, entrepreneur and angel investor Mary McKenna and Eleanor McEvoy, a Dragon and chief executive of Budget Energy.

Under the theme 'The Changing Face of Success' the speakers will share their experiences and insights on topics such as leadership, linking the digital age and entrepreneurship.

Ms Sinnamon said the conference aims to inform and inspire women to embrace business opportunities, leverage the Irish global network and reach their full potential.

“Enterprise Ireland recognises the huge contribution of Irish women in business. Last year we invested in a record number of female-led start-up companies and we are determined to increase this number,” she said.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O’Connor said promoting the achievements of women actively encourages others to aim high.

“Creating the environment for more startups to develop and grow is a key priority for me and female entrepreneurs can play a major role in job creation,” she said.