Exciting line-up of speakers for GMIT Innovation Hubs online event

GMIT Innovation Hubs have announced an exciting line-up of speakers for EMPOWER Explore 2021 which takes place online on Tuesday, September 7 (9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.), focusing on the subjects of early stage investment for women entrepreneurs and blockchain technology.

Keynote speaker Anne Ravanona, founder of Global Invest Her and EU Delegation Member of the W20, will be interviewed by MC Susan HayesCulleton CFA, "The Positive Economist", on the subject of securing early stage investment for female founders.

Several entrepreneurs will share their stories of how they have achieved success by embracing blockchain technology in their businesses, including Brenda Romero, CEO and co-founder of Romero Games, Mairead Mackle, founder and CEO of Tarasis Enterprises, Professor Joyce O'Connor, founding President of the National College of Ireland and co-founder and Chair of BlockW, Shane McCarthy, founder and CEO of Irish Craft Beverages and Victoria Thompson, co-founder and CEO at Orora.

Registration is now open for the 2021 EMPOWER EXPLORE conference. This event is free to attend and will provide knowledge and inspiration to established and aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Sandra Divilly Nolan, EMPOWER Programme manager, says: “Women entrepreneurs consistently get only 2.8% of venture capital. Anne Ravanona and the team at Global Invest Her are running the ‘1Million InvestHers Campaign’ aiming to get one million female entrepreneurs funded by 2030. We are delighted that Ms Ravanona will join our conference as her goals align closely to that of EMPOWER”.

“The goal of the EMPOWER programme is to fast-track female entrepreneurship in the West and North West of Ireland. A common barrier for female entrepreneurs is lack of support so building a team to support them as their businesses develop is key, and it allows them the flexibility to achieve a healthy work life balance”.

Sandra Divilly Nolan adds: “Seeing is believing. Showcasing successful female entrepreneurs who are looking to support others on their journey and share their mistakes and learnings is a key element of the EMPOWER Programme. We welcome multi award winning entrepreneurs and inspirational business leaders Brenda Romero and Mairead Mackle to our event this year.”

The event will conclude with a pitch competition where EMPOWER female entrepreneurs will compete for a cash prize fund.

The EMPOWER programme is run by the GMIT Innovation Hub and is funded by the ESF and the Department of Justice and Equality. The EMPOWER EXPLORE event promises to be a thought-provoking morning. This is a chance to engage and learn from some high-profile business leaders and a chance to connect and network with fellow entrepreneurs.

Book a place at this free online event by visiting the website http://www.spiriteventwest.com/