Marking 20 years of National Women's Enterprise Day
Local Enterprise Office Cavan and Cavan Women in Business Network are hosting an event in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the National Women’s Enterprise Day in the Farnham Estate on Thursday, October 15 from 6 to 9pm.
With the theme 'Her Enterprise, Her Impact – Cavan 2026: Making it Happen', the evening will celebrate the ambition and achievements of women in enterprise, while providing an opportunity to hear from inspiring business leaders and make valuable connections.
The speaker line-up includes: Regina Bushell, founder and managing director of Grovelands Childcare, who will deliver the keynote address, “Making It Happen: Courage, Resilience and the Lessons Learned Along the Way.”
Having started with a small preschool in Athlone, Regina has grown Grovelands into one of the Midlands’ largest independent childcare organisations, employing more than 140 people across three counties.
The evening will also feature Stephanie Leonard, CEO of Cavan-based Kyte Powertech, and Sandra Thompson, award-winning co-founder of IO Agri, in a special conversation on leadership, growth and impact.
Stephanie will share insights from her experience of leading a major international manufacturing business headquartered in Cavan, including navigating change, growth and uncertainty.
Sandra, a LEO Cavan client, will share the entrepreneurial journey behind agri-climate technology company IO Agri, which represented Cavan at the National Enterprise Awards 2026 and won the National Innovation Award. Minister Niamh Smyth has also confirmed her attendance.
Encouraging women from across the county to attend, Conor Craven, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Cavan, said: “For two decades, National Women’s Enterprise Day has been about creating opportunities for women in business to connect, learn, share their experiences and access the practical supports that can help them move forward with confidence.
“Here in Cavan, we have an exceptional community of women building businesses, leading organisations and creating employment and opportunity. This year’s event gives us an opportunity to celebrate that contribution while also encouraging women at every stage of their business journey to make connections, learn from others and take their next step.”
National Women’s Enterprise Day takes place simultaneously across Ireland on October 15, with 16 events nationwide marking the 20th anniversary of the LEO initiative.
The Cavan event MC is Margaret McKeon-Boyle, Founder and Managing Director of Extensive PR & Training and Coordinator of Cavan Women in Business Network on behalf of LEO Cavan. More than 100 women are expected.
The Cavan celebration is free to attend, includes a finger buffet supper and is open to women at every stage of their business journey – from established business owners and women in leadership to those growing a new enterprise or considering taking their first steps into business.