Suzanne is the co-founder of a structural engineering company, ClearTech Consulting Engineers, established in 2010, operating across Ireland and internationally, with operations in the Republic of Ireland, the UK, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Cayman Islands.

When Suzanne first heard about the Grow It All Island programme through Network Ireland, she was unsure whether it was the right fit for her.

At the time, Suzanne was seeking practical guidance on business growth, including support to develop a clear growth plan, identify new routes to market and strengthen her sales and marketing skills. Most importantly, she wanted to build the confidence needed to support the next stage of her company's growth.

Developing Confidence as a Business Leader

One of the most significant outcomes of the Grow It All Island programme for Suzanne has been her personal development as a business leader.

She describes the programme as exceeding her expectations, providing not only expert training and support but also valuable learning opportunities through the experiences and perspectives of fellow participants. While the businesses represented on the programme were diverse and not every topic was directly relevant to her sector, Suzanne found there was always something valuable to take away.

“There was a really great dynamic energy at each session. Lots of learning came from the open discussions in the room. The support and positivity from the other participants have really helped me personally in my journey, and Roisin and Emma’s energy is pivotal to the success of the programme.”

The combination of structured learning, peer support and shared experiences helped Suzanne develop greater confidence in herself and her leadership abilities. Today, she feels more confident, more assertive and more capable of making important business decisions.

This increased confidence has already translated into tangible success. Suzanne recently won the Network Ireland Kildare Branch STEM Professional of the Year Award. In addition, Suzanne has been accepted onto the EY Winning Women programme, which is a global initiative designed to support and empower ambitious female entrepreneurs to scale and grow their business.

Strengthening Professional Skills

The programme also helped Suzanne develop her professional capabilities in ways she did not anticipate.

While she expected to improve her sales and marketing knowledge, she found additional value in the discussions generated by other participants during training sessions. Hearing different business experiences and challenges often provided insights that extended beyond the formal course content.

Suzanne acknowledges that some elements of the programme were more relevant to certain sectors than others. Topics such as social media marketing tended to focus on business-to-consumer industries, while some finance sessions were more applicable to early-stage businesses or specific company structures.

Despite this, she found significant value in the Growth Sprint process and in the mentoring support she received from Diane Roberts.

Although she initially found the Growth Sprint tool a little overwhelming, Suzanne says it ultimately became an important learning experience. Likewise, while mentoring sessions were sometimes challenging, she believes this was exactly what she needed.

“I wasn’t comfortable starting the mentoring, but that only proved how important it is to challenge ourselves and reach outside our comfort zones.”

Expanding Networks and Exploring New Opportunities

The programme also broadened Suzanne's understanding of the support available to businesses looking to grow.

Her company has been self-funded for the past 15 years, and funding opportunities had not previously been part of her growth strategy. Through connections made during the programme, particularly with Invest NI and InterTradeIreland, Suzanne is now actively exploring external support options.

The cross-border element of the programme was particularly valuable. Although her company had completed occasional projects in Northern Ireland in the past, it had never actively targeted the market.

The programme helped her recognise the potential opportunities available and gave her direct contacts to support future growth.

"Now I can see real benefit in investing time in opportunities to do further business in Northern Ireland."

Turning Learning into Action

Suzanne believes the programme has given her renewed focus and energy, helping her establish stronger foundations for future growth.

While she recognises that meaningful business change takes time, she has already implemented several practical improvements within the company.

• Introducing regular weekly team meetings and monthly financial reviews.
• Aligning team objectives to improve clarity and focus.
• Developing a new finance dashboard to support decision-making.
• Establishing a clear strategy for international trade visits and market development activities.

For Suzanne, these changes represent the beginning of a longer-term growth journey built on stronger leadership, greater confidence and clearer strategic direction.

Outcomes Achieved to Date

• Implemented a new finance dashboard to support business decision-making.
• Adopted a clear strategy for trade trips and international market development.
• Applied to the InterTradeIreland Acumen Programme for financial support.
• Actively investigating new business opportunities in Northern Ireland.
• Won the Network Ireland Kildare Branch STEM Professional of the Year Award.
• Accepted onto the EY Winning Women Programme.
• Increased confidence and self-belief as a business leader.
• Established stronger internal business processes and team alignment.

Your Next Steps

Find out more about ClearTech Consulting Engineers and be sure to connect with Suzanne on LinkedIn.

If you're ready to explore business growth opportunities across the island, just like Suzanne, now is your moment to apply for the WeGrow Programme.

The WeGrow all-island programme, led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, is part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland. The delivery partner for WeGrow is Women in Business NI and Network Ireland.

Apply for WeGrow now »

Watch the replay of our online info session here »

Applications close at 12pm on Friday 4th September 2026.

Thinking about applying for the WeGrow Programme, but want to learn more before taking the next step? 

Whether you’re trying to decide if it’s the right fit or just need a little extra encouragement, we’re here to help.

Join our upcoming online info session to discover everything you need to know - from how and why to apply to insights and inspiration from past participants. You’ll also hear top application tips from the team at Network Ireland and Women in Business NI.

📅 Thursday 25th June
⏰ 10:00 - 11:00

Register now » 

WeGrow is led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland and is part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland.

This June, we're celebrating our Mentoring for Success programme - an incredible benefit of Network Ireland membership that connects you with experienced mentors across a range of specialisms.

Whether you're navigating a business challenge, seeking guidance on growth, or simply need someone to bounce ideas off, our mentors are here to support your journey. They bring real expertise and genuine commitment to helping you succeed.

Get Involved:

• Hear directly from Yasmin Vorajee, Mentoring for Success programme lead, on our recent Instagram post
  
• Register for our June National Virtual Meetup (Friday, 5th June) where our mentors are taking over
  
• Browse our 60+ mentors by expertise
  

Mentor Specialisms:

• Business Development
  
• Finance & Insurance
  
• Health, Wellness & Sustainability
  
• Leadership Development
• Personal & Professional Development
  
• PR & Marketing
  
• Retail & Sales
  
• Social Media
  

Ready to connect with a mentor?
Explore the full list of mentors and their areas of expertise at www.networkireland.ie/mentoring

Questions?
Get in touch: mentoring@networkireland.ie

Ready to take your business to the next level? Applications are officially open for the next cohorts of WeGrow, a fully funded, six-month strategic growth initiative designed for ambitious women founders, partners, and directors across the island of Ireland.

Delivered by Women in Business NI and Network Ireland, and funded via the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, WeGrow helps established female leaders step back from day-to-day operations to build a robust strategy for scaling cross-border and internationally.

The programme blends fully funded residential retreats, expert-led workshops (covering AI, investor readiness, and procurement), and 1-to-1 mentorship with an invaluable peer network of business leaders.

How to Get Involved
Places are highly competitive for the upcoming October 2026 and February 2027 cohorts. Here is how you can find out more and secure your spot:

 → Register for the Information Webinar: Join the upcoming live information session on Thursday, 25th June 2026 to get details on eligibility, course structure, and application tips.
👉 Register for the Information Webinar Here »

→ Check Eligibility and Apply: Head straight to the portal. The final deadline for applications is 4th September 2026.
👉 Visit the InterTradeIreland Application Page »


The WeGrow all-island programme, led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, is part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland. The delivery partner for WeGrow is Women in Business NI and Network Ireland.

June is packed with brilliant events across Network Ireland!

From Businesswoman of the Year Awards celebrations happening in branches nationwide to learning sessions on confidence, difficult conversations, and building stronger networks - there's something for everyone this month.

Whether you're after professional development, meaningful networking, or simply want to celebrate the incredible women in your community, we've got you covered. Join us for coffee mornings, gala dinners, workshops, and everything in between.

This is your chance to make the most of your membership, deepen your connections, and build the network that will support your business journey. 

Head to networkireland.ie/events to find the event happening near you and secure your spot.

We can't wait to see you there!

Network Ireland President Karen Ronan invited Martina Curtin, President and co-Founder of Mná Mheiriceá, to the Galway Chamber Business Lunch with Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris on 20th May.

The invitation provided a valuable opportunity for the two leaders to connect and begin planning for a cross-Atlantic collaboration that will bring together women entrepreneurs and business leaders from Ireland and the United States later this year.

About Mná Mheiriceá
Mná Mheiriceá is an intentional continuation of the legacy Irish women have built in America since their first arrival as an enterprising, independent, future-oriented community. The organisation strives to convene women regardless of background to understand and celebrate all it is to be a woman.

Building Bridges Across the Atlantic
This emerging partnership reflects Network Ireland's commitment to expanding opportunities for our members on a global stage. By connecting with Mná Mheiriceá, we're opening doors for meaningful exchange and collaboration between women in business across Ireland and the United States.

Network Ireland has released new survey data, revealing how women-led businesses across Ireland are adapting to technological change, rising operational costs and evolving market demands.

The survey of 1,400 members - the country's largest business networking organisation for women - provides a snapshot of the current business landscape and the challenges and opportunities facing female entrepreneurs and business leaders.

AI Adoption on the Rise
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a routine part of business operations. 68% of respondents now use AI in some form, most commonly in marketing, finance or HR. The trend is set to continue, with 72% planning to increase their use of the technology this year, despite two out of three respondents expressing concerns about regulatory or ethical issues linked to AI.

Rising Operational Pressures
The survey reveals significant cost pressures across the board. 76% report that costs have increased this year, driven primarily by labour (32%), energy (17%), taxation and compliance (15%), supply-chain input (13%), insurance (4%) and commercial rates (3%).

Looking ahead to 2026, inflation pressures remain the biggest risk (38%), followed by a domestic economic slowdown (29%), global instability (21%) and access to finance (5%).

Mixed Demand Picture
Customer demand trends are mixed, with 47% reporting stronger customer demand than in 2025, 31% saying it remains unchanged and 22% reporting weaker demand.

Social Media Remains Essential
LinkedIn and Instagram continue to be the most important platforms for business growth, with eight in ten business owners posting regularly. The main objectives for social media use are brand awareness (42%), lead generation (30%), community building (14%), direct sales (12%) and recruitment (2%).

Karen Ronan, Network Ireland President and CEO of Galway Chamber, said:

"Building bridges is about creating access to opportunity, to confidence and to leadership. Women are adapting to new technologies and new market realities at pace. Our role is to make sure they have the networks and support to grow with confidence.

Following extensive engagement with our members on issues ranging from competitiveness and AI to the growing pressures facing female founders, female-led businesses, and female employees, Network Ireland intends to make its first-ever pre-Budget submission to Government to ensure the voice of women in business is represented in national policy discussions."

May is packed across the Network Ireland branch network - from coffee mornings and virtual networking to practical workshops, wellbeing sessions and Businesswoman of the Year celebrations.

Whatever you’re looking for this month - connection, learning, collaboration or support - there’s something happening near you (and online) 

Visit the Events page to see what’s coming up and register!

Network Ireland is delighted to announce that Maria Desmond has been elected Vice President Designate at a special meeting of the National Executive Committee and Branch Presidents and Vice Presidents this weekend.

Maria will serve as Vice President in 2027 and National President in 2028.

Maria brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a background in marketing, market research and business. As Regional Fundraising Manager with Enable Ireland and AIB Liaison, she is a natural collaborator who combines vision with action.

Having served on the Cork Branch committee since 2018 and the National Executive since 2023, Maria has a deep understanding of Network Ireland's mission and is committed to supporting the professional and personal development of women in business.


2026 National President Karen Ronan said: "Maria is a natural collaborator who combines vision with action. I am looking forward to working with her and our Vice President Sinéad O'Neill to create real impact."


Maria Desmond added: "I am honoured to have been elected as VPD and look forward to working with President Karen Ronan, Vice President Sinéad O'Neill and the rest of the team to further support our members."

Congratulations, Maria.

From coffee mornings and networking meet-ups to practical workshops, inspiring talks and member spotlights, there is plenty happening across the Network Ireland branch network this April.

Whether you're looking to make new connections, learn something new, grow your confidence or simply get involved, there is something for everyone in this month’s events calendar.

Visit the Events page to see what’s coming up and register!

From coffee mornings and networking meet-ups to practical workshops, inspiring talks and member spotlights, there is plenty happening across the Network Ireland branch network this April ✨
Whether you are looking to make new connections, learn something new, grow your confidence or simply get involved, there is something for everyone in this month’s events calendar 💼☕🌿
Visit the Events page on the Network Ireland website to see what’s coming up and register 🔗
#NetworkIreland #SupportedByAIB #BuildingBridges

The April Virtual Branch event is now live on our events page!

All members are warmly invited to join us - there will be plenty of virtual networking with members from across Ireland (and beyond), plus our guest presentation this month is all around sustainabiltiy and how to embed it into your work and daily life. 

The session will be led by award-winning chef Orla McAndrew, alongside Cathy Fitzgibbon aka The Culinary Celt, and is ideal for anyone looking to embed sustainability into their work and daily life, gain fresh insights and be inspired by leaders driving meaningful change.

Be sure to come along to make new connections, catch up with familiar faces and learn something new!

Register now »

🙌 Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who took part in our IWD2026 charity raffle - and to the Network Ireland members who donated such fantastic prizes - we were delighted to raise €5,840 for Down Syndrome Limerick.

This support will make a real and meaningful difference to the children and families they work with. The funds raised will allow 16 children to access subsidised Speech and Language Therapy in 2026, with ten one-to-one sessions each across the year.

Speech and Language Therapy plays a vital role in helping children with Down syndrome to develop communication, language, and social interaction skills.

We were delighted to officially launch the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2026 at our recent International Women’s Day event in Limerick - a brilliant day of connection, conversation and celebration of women in business across the country.

Whether you’re building something new, growing steadily, leading a team, or making an impact in your career, there’s a category designed to recognise what you do best: 

✨ Emerging New Businesswoman
✨ Solo Businesswoman
✨ Established Businesswoman
✨ Early Career Employee
✨ Advanced Career Employee
✨ Creative Professional
✨ STEM Professional
✨ Networker of the Year

Entering is a chance to raise your profile, reflect on your achievements, and gain visibility for your work... at branch level and beyond!

Applications are now open - full details (including categories and how to enter) are here: www.networkireland.ie/bwoty

✨ Tickets are now on sale for Network Ireland’s International Women’s Day 2026 celebration! 

Join us on Saturday, 7 March at the Limerick Strand Hotel for a brilliant day of connection, conversation and inspiration with women in business from across Ireland.

Expect great speakers, plenty of networking, and a chance to browse our wellness exhibitors - plus we’ll be raising funds for Down Syndrome Limerick with our charity raffle on the day.

Book your ticket now (early bird pricing available until 16 February):

👉 https://networkireland.ie/event/iwd2026




#BuildingBridges #IWD2026 #GiveToGain #NetworkIreland #SupportedByAIB

The WeGrow Programme returns for its second cohort and applications are now open. 

This six‑month all-island growth programme will offer women founders opportunities for learning, strategic insights, and the chance to establish valuable connections through in‑person events, online workshops, and peer networking, while gaining expert mentorship to support their growth. Offering 25 places for women founders from across the island, WeGrow is delivered by Women in Business NI and Network Ireland. 
 
Applications for Cohort 2 close on Wednesday 11th March, 12 pm.

Apply now: https://bitl.to/5dGQ  

WeGrow is led by InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, and is supported by the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland.

#SharedIsland #BusinessGrowth 

Further to the Network Ireland National AGM that took place last Saturday in Dublin, we are delighted to welcome Karen Ronan as President for 2026. 

Karen brings a strong track record of leadership, collaboration, and advocacy for women in business, and we look forward to her vision and energy guiding the organisation in the year ahead.

At the Network Ireland National AGM, held last Saturday in Dublin, Network Ireland President Karen Ronan, alongside Vice President Joan Walsh, warmly congratulated and welcomed Sinéad O’Neill as our newly appointed Vice President Designate.

Sinéad brings a wealth of experience, energy, and a deep commitment to supporting women in business. Her appointment reflects the strength of leadership coming through our Network.

“I very much look forward to working closely with Joan and Sinéad as we continue to build a collaborative, ambitious, and supportive community for our members across Ireland.”

- Karen Ronan, President, Network Ireland


📷 @jillomearaphotography

Welcome to Karen, and thank you to Amy!

Following the Network Ireland National AGM, held last Saturday in Dublin, we are delighted to welcome Karen Ronan as President for 2026.

Karen brings a strong track record of leadership, collaboration, and advocacy for women in business, and we look forward to her vision and energy guiding the organisation in the year ahead.

We would also like to sincerely thank our 2025 President, Amy O'Sullivan, for her leadership, commitment, and dedication to Network Ireland over the past year. 

Finally, we extend a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to our newly appointed National Executive Committee, whose tireless voluntary efforts continue to strengthen and support the organisation on behalf of our members nationwide.

📷 @jillomearaphotography

Join us for the 2026 Network Ireland National AGM!

(Open to all paid-up members of Network Ireland. Please note that you must be signed-in in order to be able to register for this event. Your invite email has been issued - please check your inboxes!)

 

Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, January 17th, 2026
📌 Venue: Ashling Hotel, Dublin (Google Map)
👥 Invitees: All paid-up members of Network Ireland are warmly invited to attend
⏰ AGM: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
☕ Registration and tea/coffee from 9.30 am
✍ Registration deadline: 5 pm on January 9th

🔗 Registration Link: Here »



What Takes Place:

During the AGM, there will be the presentation of the annual reports of the organisation, and elections will take place for the executive positions of the National Executive Committee 2026. Please refer to your invite email for important links and further information.

Please Note

• The deadline for registration is close of business on January 9th as we need to provide numbers to the hotel.
• If you are unsure if you've registered or not, you can view your event registrations by following these instructions »
• If you need to cancel your registration, you need to reach out to Nicky at admin@networkireland.ie.

Save the Date

Save the date for the Network Ireland National AGM on Saturday, January 17th, which will take place in the Ashling Hotel, Dublin. Further details to follow.

The AGM is open to all paid-up members of Network Ireland.