Marketplace of Ideas at 2025 All-Island Female Entrepreneurs Conference

A keynote from author and TV personality Sara Davies was the catalyst that sparked a wealth of ideas at Wednesday’s All-Island Female Entrepreneurs Conference in Dundalk. 

Bringing together more than 300 women-led business owners, this year’s premier Women in Business event, sponsored by AIB, included a dynamic marketplace for exhibitors and entrepreneurs to accelerate idea-sharing and collaboration on an island-wide scale. 

Event keynote Sara is the founder and owner of Crafter’s Companion and author of ‘The Six Minute Entrepreneur’. Walking the marketplace, her warmth, authenticity and humour brought razor sharp business insights leaving delegates energised, invigorated and ready to unlock their full potential.

Lorraine Acheson, Managing Director of Women in Business, commented: “The curiosity and can-do attitude from the entrepreneurs this year was infectious. Our annual conference helps lead the way in facing down the challenges of the day, be that access to finance or growing sales. We know that women-led entrepreneurship holds untold potential to add value to the economy, fast-track greater equality and promote regional balance. Women in Business is committed to working collaboratively across the island to not only champion the impact of entrepreneurial role models like Sara, but to bring about more opportunities for women-led business owners whether they’re starting out, scaling up or inventing the next big thing.”

Event host Caroline O’Neill welcomed an impressive lineup of 16 inspirational speakers including Alyson Hogg, AnneMarie Whelan, Ciara Crossan, Morgan Pierce, Niamh McCarthy, Edel Doherty, Irene Breen, Dr Pragya Sharma, Melanie Harrison, Magda Seymour, Niamh Cushnahan, Criona Turley, Grace Smith and Yvette McGaffin, who each shared their lived experience of perseverance and resolve.

The All-Island Female Entrepreneurs Conference was sponsored again by AIB and supported by InterTradeIreland, Enterprise Ireland, Glandore, Techstart, IQ&Co, and Key Exhibition Partner Invest Northern Ireland.

Head of Business Banking at AIB NI, Roisin Keenan, added: “We are incredibly proud to support the All-Island Female Entrepreneurs Conference, an event that continues to champion the incredible drive, ambition and talent of women in business.

“As a bank that is deeply committed to backing business, we know that women-led enterprises are key to a thriving, balanced and resilient economy. Events like this play a crucial role in breaking down barriers, whether that’s access to finance, networks or support. It was inspiring to see so many entrepreneurs not only sharing their journeys but lifting each other up in the process. We look forward to continuing to support these changemakers as they grow, innovate and lead the way, both locally and across the island.”

To read more about 2025’s showcase event and view pictures from the conference visit 
All-Island Female Entrepreneurs Conference 2025 | Women in Business NI