European Network of Ambassadors for Female Entrepreneurship

In order to encourage more women to consider the benefits of starting their own business, the Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber worked with Irish and European partners to create a European network of Ambassadors for Female Entrepreneurship. This project was funded by DG Enterprise and concluded in July 2011.

Europe has many potential entrepreneurs, but few of these take the decisive steps to launch their own business. Many Europeans see working as an employee of a firm, large or small, or in a public organisation as more attractive than running their own company. The need to create a more favourable climate in Europe for entrepreneurship is now widely accepted and there are certain additional factors which make starting your own business an even less attractive, or viable, option for women.

What is an Ambassador for Female Entrepreneurship?

An Ambassador for Female Entrepreneurship is an individual who has successfully set up their own business and can use this experience to inspire potential female entrepreneurs and encourage women to turn their ideas into reality. It is recognised that successful female role models act as an inspiration for many women considering starting a business. Successful entrepreneurs also highlight the importance of having peer group contact, access to networks and high quality pre-start up support.

The Ambassadors for Female Entrepreneurship are members of a wider EU network of Ambassadors who were formally appointed by the European Commission in October 2009.

Ambassadors for Female Entrepreneurship in Cork

Chris Winning, Corporate Care Relocation Ltd

Jola Wojtowicz, Jola's Restaurant

For more on this project and a full list of Ambassador profiles see: European Network of Female Entrepreneurship Ambassadors or contact siobhan@corkchamber.ie