Enterprise Ireland and Network Ireland have joined forces to organise nationwide roadshows promoting female entrepreneurship.

The “Fuelling Ambition” roadshows will encourage female entrepreneurs, or those considering starting their own business, to be braver and more ambitious in their plans for growth and success.

The next roadshow takes place in Cork this Wednesday and speakers will include Olive O’Driscoll, CEO and co-founder of medical device company AventaMed, and Rosie Mansfield, CEO of travel and skills-sharing web platform GoCambio.com.

Representatives from Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices will also be on hand to discuss the wide range of supports available to female entrepreneurs, and those thinking of starting their own businesses.

Network Cork president Joan Walsh said the roadshows were created to encourage women to reach their maximum potential in business and to think ambitiously.

“This is an excellent opportunity to promote and encourage female entrepreneurship whether they are already in business or are considering taking the jumps into business.”

Enterprise Ireland female entrepreneurship manager Sarita Johnston, said the objective of the roadshows is to engage with as many female entrepreneurs as possible.

“I have seen first-hand how hearing about other people’s success stories encourages more people to take ambitious leaps for their businesses.”

Enterprise Ireland chief executive Julie Sinnamon said female-led enterprises accounted for just 7 per cent of new start-ups in 2011.

“Enterprise Ireland put a number of initiatives in place to address the balance, like female-only start-up funds. These initiatives are working. Participation by female entrepreneurs in our High Potential Start-Up programme increased to 22 per cent in 2015.”