Kildare woman nominated for top business awards

A Kildare businesswoman has been named a finalist in the Female Founder Awards 2025, hosted by The Club Women's Network.

Kel Galavan, known as Mrs Smart Money and based in Kildare, has been nominated for Business of the Year and the Positive Impact Award, recognising her work empowering individuals to achieve financial freedom through money coaching, education, and smart habits.

With over 20 years of investing experience and a background in science and finance, Kel helps clients develop a healthy relationship with money, giving them the tools to manage their income effectively and transform their financial futures.

The Female Founder Awards celebrate women across Ireland who are building purpose-led businesses and making a real difference in their communities. The awards take place on November 7th at the Maryborough Hotel, Cork, bringing together 24 finalists from across the country for a night of celebration, connection, and recognition.

This year, twenty-four women are nominated across five categories: Newcomer of the Year, Solopreneur of the Year, Business of the Year, Positive Impact Award, and Contribution to The Club.

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Unlike traditional business awards, the Female Founder Awards look beyond numbers and spreadsheets – recognising the “why” behind each founder’s work, and the positive impact they create for themselves, their communities, their clients, and their industries.

“The Female Founder Awards are more than a ceremony - they are a celebration of Irish female entrepreneurship, community, and collaboration. We’re so proud to host if for the third time and celebrate these women and the businesses they’ve built. We received a record number of entries this year, and every finalist has a story of resilience, creativity, and contribution,” said Sian Horn, founder of The Club Women’s Network and host of The BeBelle Podcast.

“The female founder space in Ireland is really special, and these awards recognise the passion, innovation, and determination behind the businesses these women have created.”

Tickets to the awards are €150 and available at theclubwomensnetwork.com.

Guests can expect an evening of entertainment, celebration, and connection with female founders from across Ireland, including a drinks reception, three-course meal, keynote speaker, DJ and of course, the awards presentation.