Over a hundred entrepreneurs, business people and representatives from business support agencies are gathering in Waterford this morning, for the region’s largest event for women in business.

The South East Women in Business Conference, under the theme of ‘The Show Must Go On’, takes place in the Tower Hotel today. The County and City Enterprise Boards in the region have enlisted Sean Gallagher from Dragons’ Den, Monica Leech from Outside Thinking Strategic Communications, Louise Grugg from Nutri-Science, Veronica Canning, author of ‘Shoeisms’ and Sheila Gallogly from Márla.ie, to help inspire and encourage other entrepreneurs. The Mayor of Waterford City and former entrepreneur, Cllr. Mary Roche, will deliver the opening address at today’s conference.

“This is the fourth successive year of the South East Women in Business Conference, which has become a landmark event,” according to Ciaran Cullen from the County and City Enterprise Boards. “For the thousands of small business owners in the South East, ‘the show’ must go on, despite the recession. Through encouragement, advice and through sharing ideas, female entrepreneurs can overcome the tough challenges ahead.,” he added.

This afternoon, seven awards will be presented in the ‘South East Female Excellence in Business Awards’ including: ‘Excellence in Retailing’, ‘Excellence in Craft/Manufacturing,’ ‘Excellence in ICT,’ ‘Excellence in Marketing,’ ‘Excellence in Professional and Personal Services,’ ‘Excellence in Food and Tourism’ and ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year.’

The conference and awards are being organised by the region’s five local Enterprise Boards: Tipperary South, Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Waterford City. On a year-round basis, the Enterprise Boards provide information, advice and various enterprise supports to micro-enterprises and small businesses, including new start-ups. Further information around the supports on offer to small businesses can be found at www.enterpriseboards.ie.