Waterford business woman and entrepreneur, Danette Connolly of NAS and Home Instead Senior Care met with Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms. Mary Coughlan T.D., as she announced details for National Women's Enterprise Day which takes place in Mullingar on November, 20th.

Danette was awarded the Professional Services Entrepreneur title at the recent South East Women in Business Conference in Carlow and was invited to the launch of the National Women's Enterprise Day at Dublin Castle, which calls on female entrepreneurs from every county and industry to take part in Ireland's biggest enterprise initiative of its kind in this year.

Announcing the details in Dublin, the Tánaiste said: "One of my key messages for National Women's Enterprise Day is that if you are already in business or planning to start a new one, I would strongly urge you to seek out the enterprise supports that are on offer through the network of County and City Enterprise Boards. Female entrepreneurs in particular, can benefit from a suite of supports, ranging from networking opportunities to expert mentoring to management development workshops."

Danette and her businesses were chosen to represent the best of the country's female entrepreneurship. According to Danette "It is a great honour to be recognised as a female entrepreneur that has made an impression and to be amongst such esteemed company."

"If I can offer any advice to women who are thinking of starting their own business it would be to see the end result. When you have focus and a long term vision it gives you the impetus to make your business work, regardless of the day-to- day obstacles we all face. There is a range of support structures available from organisations such as the Enterprise Boards which makes the task of starting your own business a little less daunting, as they offer sound advice and assistance."

Ciaran Cullen, Waterford City Enterprise Board added "The premise of local Enterprise Boards is to support, encourage and assist small businesses in going forward. Danette's success story is an inspiration to all as it reinforces the fact that, with the right assistance, drive, determination and focus, it can be done." Organised by the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards, the annual conference is now in its third year, co-funded by the European Social Fund and the Irish Exchequer.