Local Enterprise Offices host AI Advantage Event empowering Women in Business
Supporting female entrepreneurs across Longford, Leitrim & Westmeath
Press Release: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Women in business from across Longford, Leitrim and Westmeath gathered on 21 May at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway for the “AI Advantage: Empowering Women to Transform their Small Business” event.
Hosted by Miriam Simon, an award-winning Business Strategist and Peak Performance Mentor with over 30 years’ experience, the session focused on helping small business owners navigate today’s rapidly changing business landscape with clarity and confidence. Drawing on her experience working with global brands including TK Maxx, Monsoon Accessorize, B&Q and Lifestyle Sports, Miriam delivered practical strategies to help small businesses work smarter, free up time, and build sustainable growth without adding complexity.
The event, organised by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) of Longford, Leitrim and Westmeath, brought together female entrepreneurs from a wide range of sectors, providing both practical insights and valuable networking opportunities. A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring three women entrepreneurs from each county, who shared their personal entrepreneurial journeys, challenges, and successes.
Anna Peters (Longford), founder of Athena Art Gallery & Café. A graduate of the National College of Art and Design, Anna shared her experience of returning to Longford to establish the county’s first fine art gallery combined with a café and creative studio. Through Athena, she supports Irish artists while creating a vibrant cultural hub for the local community.
Margaret Doherty (Leitrim), founder of Kelly Costello, an Irish fragrance house based in Carrick-on-Shannon. Margaret outlined her journey from the hair and beauty industry into artisan perfumery, including training at the renowned ISIPCA in France and collaboration with master perfumers in Italy and Grasse.
Katie Cochrane (Westmeath), founder of Creators31, a creative agency specialising in brand activations, product development and PR gifting. Katie spoke about bridging the gap between creative vision and commercial results, delivering high-impact projects that drive both brand visibility and sales.
The panel discussion offered attendees valuable, real-world insights into building and sustaining a business, highlighting resilience, adaptability and the importance of peer support. Throughout the session, Miriam Simon explored the current business environment and demonstrated how Artificial Intelligence tools can be applied in practical ways across areas such as marketing, customer engagement, and business planning. Attendees left with actionable ideas and a greater understanding of how to integrate AI into their day-to-day operations.
The event concluded with a networking session, where participants had the opportunity to connect, share experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration across the region.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “Events like this highlight the strength, creativity and determination of women in business across our region. Bringing people together to share experience and learn from one another is vital, particularly at a time of rapid change. Longford County Council is proud to support initiatives that give local entrepreneurs practical tools and real confidence to grow.”
Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. By supporting women entrepreneurs to understand and use new technologies in a practical way, we are helping businesses become more resilient, save time and plan for the future. This event shows how targeted support can make a real difference.”
Michael Nevin, Local Enterprise Office Longford said, “Supporting women in business to adopt and embrace innovation and digital tools is a key priority. This event not only demystified AI but also showcased the inspiring journeys of local entrepreneurs, encouraging others to take the next step in their business with confidence.”
The Local Enterprise Offices of Longford, Leitrim and Westmeath continue to support small businesses through training, mentoring, and funding initiatives designed to drive growth, build resilience, and foster collaboration.
