‘Own your success’, that’s what the Local Enterprise Office is asking female entrepreneurs and budding businesswomen from across Waterford to do, as it encourages them to register for this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day. Ireland’s largest female enterprise event is back again for 2026. National Women’s Enterprise Day, now in its 20th year will take place at the Gardenmorris historic private estate on Thursday October 15th.
Waterford’s is just one of numerous nationwide activities and events with a range of different topics and speakers that will educate, entertain and inspire. The event kicks off with a buffet breakfast and networking session, providing attendees an opportunity to connect and share experiences. Following breakfast, the focus will shift to a panel discussion hosted by Nichola Beresford and titled "Own Your Success", encouraging women to recognise their achievements, overcome self-doubt and celebrate their successes with confidence.
The panel includes Teresanne O'Reilly, Suzanne Parker, Gabrielle Cummins and Claire Mooney.
Teresanne is an entrepreneur, brand strategist and co-founder and CEO of Twelve, an Irish lifestyle tech start-up that makes it quick, easy and enjoyable to print the photos you love straight from your phone.
Suzanne is an award-winning solicitor, entrepreneur and founder of Parker Law Solicitors in Waterford. Since establishing the firm, she has built a modern, client-focused legal practice recognised for its expertise, accessibility and commitment to excellent client service.
Gabrielle Cummins is Head of Media Development at Nemeton TV, with over 20 years’ experience in journalism, broadcasting and media. A former CEO and Programme Director of Beat 102-103, Gabrielle brings extensive experience in leadership, communications and developing creative media businesses.
Claire is a Waterford business leader and Director of ReduceCosts, her family’s second‑generation commercial energy price consultancy. She brings a clear, people‑centred approach to supporting businesses across Ireland.
Louise Grubb is the event’s keynote speaker, where she will share her insights and experiences, exploring what it means to recognise your achievements, embrace your own journey and have the confidence to take your success to the next level. Louise is a serial life science entrepreneur with a proven track record of building successful businesses and launching products globally. Founder of TriviumVet, Louise continues to shape the med-tech landscape, developing innovative, novel veterinary therapeutics and diagnostics to treat disease in companion animals. She is an advocate for promoting women entrepreneurs, particularly in life sciences and encouraging people of all backgrounds to consider careers in STEM. With her extensive experience building successful businesses and bringing innovative products to global markets, Louise will offer an inspiring perspective on entrepreneurship, ambition and the journey to success.
Jacqui Gaule, Acting Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford is looking forward to the event and listening to its speakers, “The morning will be of benefit to any female entrepreneur who is either thinking of starting a business or already in business. The speakers are experts in their own fields and inspirational for any women in business.
“Supporting women in enterprise and addressing the key challenges confronting women in business is paramount to ensuring female entrepreneurs realise their full business potential, and own their success.
“At Local Enterprise Office Waterford we have a broad range of support services, including events like this that enable entrepreneurs to take their business to take the next level.”
National Women’s Enterprise Day, Ireland’s largest female enterprise event promotes, encourages and stimulates female entrepreneurship across Ireland. It is designed and led by women and is an annual high point in promoting entrepreneurship to women in Ireland. The Local Enterprise Office along with Enterprise Ireland provide a wide range of help, incentives, training, and development programmes to female entrepreneurs.
While help is available all year round, National Women’s Enterprise Day allows LEO Waterford to turn the spotlight on female entrepreneurship. It attracts widespread media attention. It opens the prospect of entrepreneurship to women who may not have considered it before. It highlights what support is available. It provides valuable networking opportunities and connections with industry experts. And it celebrates the achievements of women in enterprise.
This LEO Waterford event is proudly supported by Waterford Chamber, Network Waterford, and Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber. It is one of many events held nationally on October 15th to mark National Women’s Enterprise Day at the Gardenmorris estate, celebrating and empowering women in business across the country.
For more information on the events in each area and how to register go to National Women's Enterprise Day 2026 - Local Enterprise Office - Waterford
