The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Dublin City Women in Business Network awards saw Anita Donoghue, of The Hair Cafe Salon in Smithfield, and Rita Smyth of Role Players for Training, scoop top places.
As a celebration of exceptional women in business in the Dublin City area, the awards took place at the LEO Dublin City Women in Business Christmas networking event held at The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Kildare Street.
Award nominees were evaluated under two categories – the Rising Star award, and Best Start-Up award.
The Rising Star award went to Rita Smyth, of Role Players for Training, with the company providing professional corporate role players to support and facilitate learning and development in business and executive education.
Rita’s win included an investment of €1,000 in her business, a €500 voucher towards services provided by Dublin City LEO, and a professional video on the company commissioned by Dublin City LEO in order to further promote Role Players for Training.
Anita Donoghue, of The Hair Cafe Salon, won the Best Start-Up award, in recognition of her business, in operation since September 2016.
The business provides a boutique body and mind relaxation service, in addition to hair care.
Anita’s win included an investment of €500 and a €500 voucher towards services provided by Dublin City LEO.
Commenting on the awards, Mary McSweeney, deputy head of Enterprise and Economic Development of Dublin City LEO, said: “I am delighted to present these awards to two worthy businesswomen who are growing and developing their business in the Dublin City region.
“It is great to see that there has been an increase in women starting their own businesses in the last few years, supported through Dublin City LEO.
“The Dublin City LEO office is here to encourage and support women who are starting a business or are already up and running.
“We aim to provide access to a support network of services and advice, together with access to like-minded entrepreneurs and start-ups, to maximise their chance for success and growth in their industry.”
Guest speaker at the Dublin City LEO Women in Business Networking event was social media expert Samantha Kelly, also known as The Tweeting Goddess, who shared valuable tips with the audience on how to enhance a company’s online presence and how to boost social media platforms in order to grow a business.
The Dublin City LEO supports start-ups and growing businesses in the Dublin city area through financial support, training and providing enterprise assistance.
One of these support initiatives is the Women in Business Network, which has been in existence for more than 10 years and has a membership of more than 100 women in business in the Dublin City region.
Dublin City LEO is supported by Dublin City Council, Enterprise Ireland and the EU European Regional Development Fund.
