Awards preparation now underway

A Cork callout has gone out for women to apply for a national business award.

Network Ireland is calling on members across the country to apply for its esteemed Businesswoman of the Year awards ahead of the deadline on 16 April. The annual programme highlights the achievements of women who understand business, who are passionate about their career, and show a determination to succeed no matter what life throws at them.

Preparation is well underway across 14 Network Ireland branches nationwide ahead of their local finals, from which winners will be selected to go forward to the national awards in October. The gala event is a major highlight of the group’s calendar and will coincide with Network Ireland’s annual conference.

National President of Network Ireland Aisling O’Neill said: “The resilience of women in business over the last year is evident in every corner of Ireland. Our members have successful careers, run successful businesses, but in many cases also juggle the needs of their families and are involved in their local communities. My chosen theme for my term as President is ‘Power of Network Ireland’ and part of that is supporting each other through tough times, but it’s also about celebrating the wins - and we need that this year more than ever.”

Maura Glynn is Network Ireland’s National Awards Co-ordinator. She said: “Applying for these awards is a fantastic opportunity for our members to review their current position, learn more about themselves, and outline what they would like to achieve in the future. Their stories are truly inspirational and these businesswomen deserve to be recognised for that.”

Catherine Moroney, Head of Business Banking Market at AIB, Network Ireland’s official partner, has been involved with the awards for several years. She said: “Each year the members of Network Ireland amaze me with their innovative ideas and resourcefulness. The programme is an inspiring way for female business owners and leaders to have their efforts, and their businesses’ recognised by their peers, and their achievements in turn serve as great encouragement for others.”

The closing date for receipt of online applications is 5pm Friday 16 April. For more information visit networkireland.ie.

This year’s awards are divided into eight categories:

• Solo Businesswoman

• Emerging New Business

• Established Business

• Employee - Rising Star

• Employee - Shining Star

• Creative Professional

• STEM

• ‘Power Within’ Champion - this award was first introduced last year and is the only one of the awards open to all members who have used the power within themselves to great impact