Eight Female Finalists in EY Awards 2018
19th October 2018
According to EY’s Global Growth Barometer, more than half of women-led companies (52%) have no external funding at all, compared with 30% of male-led companies. The research also found that one in five women CEOs (20%) have no plans for raising capital, compared with just 3% of male CEOs.
The EY Growth Barometer is an annual survey of global middle-market C-suite leaders that explores their strategies for accelerating growth. The findings were announced in Ireland to mark National Women’s Enterprise Day (Thursday 19th October) that aims to highlight the contribution of female entrepreneurs, while encouraging more women to start their own businesses.
Almost three times as many women as men say funding is the most significant factor in building their company’s agility (17% versus 6%), while 17% believe the cost and availability of equity finance is the greatest barrier to growth, compared with 11% of male peers.
Anne Heraty, Chairperson of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year judging panel and CEO of Cpl Resources said: “An obvious factor that could be influencing female entrepreneurs’ access to funding is the fact that VC firms often tend to be male dominated. In spite of this, there is still opportunity out there, and we as entrepreneurs have a duty to our female peers”.
“My advice to other female entrepreneurs is to get out there and find the people you need to talk to – ask for introductions and be brave. It might not come naturally to everyone, but putting yourself out there is how you’ll get closer to where you want to be.”
According to research conducted by EY Ireland, at board level, men still easily outnumber women with 72% of positions held by men according to the EY Ireland Diversity and Inclusion Report 2018, yet only 41% of companies say they have a specific programme or initiative in place to develop women leadership for the future.
Olivia McEvoy, Director of Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Services, EY Ireland said: “The World Economic Forum’s 2017 report states that it will take another 216 years to achieve gender parity globally. It is time to change gear and act now to accelerate change. In business in Ireland, we are still a long way from achieving parity at leadership level, which is similarly reflected in levels of female entrepreneurship”.
“It is critical we inspire younger women and girls to pursue careers in entrepreneurship and business and there is no better way than through visible role modelling and success.”
This year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Gala Awards take place on Thursday 25 October in Citywest. The event will see over 1,500 of Ireland’s business leaders gather to celebrate the work of Ireland’s entrepreneurs. Eight women are competing for the overall title this year.
EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 female finalists
- Elaine Sullivan, Carrick Therapeutics, Dublin
Description: Transforming cancer treatments by targeting the molecular pathways that drive the most aggressive and resistant forms of cancer
- Sandra Whelan, VR Education Holdings plc, Waterford (Nominated with her husband David)
Description: Creative agency specialising in the production of fully interactive virtual reality, 360 degree video and augmented reality experiences
- Vicki O’Toole, JJ O’Toole Ltd, Limerick
Description: Distributors of carrier bags, luxury bags, degradable bags, boxes, cartons, bubblewrap and industrial packaging supplies
- Louise Kennedy, Louise Kennedy, Dublin
Description: Internationally recognised as one of Ireland’s most successful fashion designers
- Rachel Doyle, Arboretum, Carlow
Description: Home & Garden Heaven and Rachel’s Garden Café for plants, gifts, furniture, fashion and great food
- Mary McKenna ,Tour America/Cruise Holidays, Dublin
Description: Ireland’s leading holiday specialist to the USA, Canada and Mexico, and Worldwide Cruises
- Aine Lecky & Eibhlin Murphy, Major Equipment (Intl) Limited, Mayo
Description: Manufactures a range of rotary grass cutting equipment for both agricultural and fine turf applications
Pictured: EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 female finalist Sandra Whelan, VR Education Holdings plc, Waterford who has been nominated with her husband David.
