One in four Irish women (24%) would like to start their own business, compared to 30% of men, according to new research conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to mark National Women's Enterprise Day (NWED), taking place nationwide today. The research highlights that while ambition among women remains strong, significant barriers continue to hold many back, particularly financial fear, confidence, and caring commitments.

Almost half of women (45%) say fear of financial instability is stopping them from starting a business, compared with 35% of men. Meanwhile, three in ten women (30%) say a lack of confidence holds them back, and one in four (24%) report that caring commitments prevent them from pursuing their entrepreneurial ambitions - more than double the rate among men (10%).

The research also shows that interest in starting a business among women varies significantly by age. Younger women are the most likely to aspire to start a business, with ambition highest among those aged 18-24 (36%), before gradually declining among those aged 25-44 (28%). This drops further among women aged 45-64 (18%) and is lowest among those aged 65 and over (8%).

Niamh Smyth, T.D., Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, said, "National Women's Enterprise Day (NWED) is not just for those women who currently own or run a business, it's for all women who have a business idea and need that encouragement to take that first step.

I understand the barriers faced by Women in business and regularly meet advocacy groups that share ideas on how to address some of these barriers, including issues such as underrepresentation, access to networks, access to capital, and mentorship and role models.

Tackling these barriers is what makes National Women's Enterprise Day so important, and I'm proud of the role the Local Enterprise Offices have played in this.

The cumulative effect of NWED has been to cultivate an entire generation of female entrepreneurs empowered with the skills, belief and support to start and grow successful businesses.

Today places a spotlight on women in enterprise and boosts the visibility of women in business. This is vitally important for the next generation of female Entrepreneurs to view themselves as businesswomen"

Aileen McGrath, Chair of National Women's Enterprise Day, said: "This research shows there is real ambition among Irish women to start their own business, but for too many, barriers still stand in the way. Confidence, financial concerns, and caring commitments continue to feature strongly as barriers, and that's exactly what National Women's Enterprise Day and the Local Enterprise Offices are here to help address.

"Through the Local Enterprise Office network, women can access practical supports, expert mentoring, and financial advice to help turn ideas into action. Whether it's hearing from another woman who's done it, building new skills, or learning where to find funding and support, National Women's Enterprise Day shows that starting a business is possible and that no woman must do it alone.

"NWED is about empowerment and reminding women that supports are there in every local authority across the country and that the Local Enterprise Offices are ready to help on the journey. The ambition is clear, our role is to help remove the barriers and give women the confidence, tools, and encouragement to take that first step."

Now in its 19th year, National Women's Enterprise Day is organised by the Local Enterprise Offices with 15 events taking place across the country, bringing together some of Ireland's most inspiring and successful female entrepreneurs.

Some of those involved in the events across the country this year include broadcaster and entrepreneur, Norah Casey, international human rights lawyer Joanna Frivet, author and psychologist, Dr Katriona O'Sullivan, designer Helen Steele, entrepreneur Oonagh O'Hagan, home and food influenc...