National Women’s Enterprise Day 2026
Meet Michelle O’Keeffe, co-founder of Platform 55, one of our valued member companies here at The View. Michelle is one of our longest-standing members and has been part of The View community since the very beginning. Chances are, if you’ve worked here or are currently based at The View, you know Michelle!
We feel so lucky to have Michelle and the Platform 55 team as part of our community, and it’s been fantastic to watch their business grow and evolve over the years.
Today marks the 20th anniversary of National Women’s Enterprise Day, and with Michelle being ambassador for National Women’s Enterprise Day 2026 , we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by shining a spotlight on Michelle and the incredible journey behind Platform 55.
We’re delighted to share their story, explore how it all began, celebrate how far they’ve come and highlight the important role Local Enterprise has played in supporting Platform 55 on their journey!
Building something that matters
Starting Platform55 was about more than building a business. It was about creating something meaningful, making a difference and proving what’s possible when you back an idea and give it the space to grow.
Like many entrepreneurs, I learned quickly that building a business is as much about people as it is about the product, the strategy or the numbers. You need the right team around you, people who believe in what you’re trying to achieve, and a support network that helps you keep moving forward when things get challenging.
What I came to realise was that you can have a clear vision for your business, but you don't have to build it alone. Finding the right people and community can make a real difference, not just to how you feel as a founder, but to what your business can become.
I have found that through the community at The View, fellow female entrepreneurs on Going for Growth, through peer sharing at the game changing liminalscape & in the people I surround myself with everyday.
The champions who see your potential
Our Local Enterprise Office has been instrumental in our growth. Funding and training matter, but the LEO did something more: they recognised our potential before everyone else did.
One person stands out. Deirdre Carroll has been a real champion of what we do, and she advocated for us in rooms we weren't in. Every founder needs a Deirdre, someone who believes in the business and says so out loud.
That support came full circle when I was named ambassador for National Women’s Enterprise Day 2026. It was a proud moment, and a reminder of how far a little backing can carry you.
What LinkedIn doesn't show
LinkedIn is where we market our businesses, it’s PR. I've always tried to be honest and authentic there. But some of the hardest days, and there have been many, never made it onto my feed.
I believe female entrepreneurs need to share the lows more. Not to complain, but because the highlight reel leaves other women thinking they're the only ones struggling.
And alongside the lows, we need to share the small, practical steps that got us through -
Finding the right support. Ask your LEO, your local hub, your peers. Help is there, but you often have to look.
Unlocking a grant. Find our what’s available, ask someone who has done it, and dont rule yourself out before you apply.
Keeping going when you feel you cant. Some days the win is just showing up. That counts.
Choose your circle on purpose
One of the biggest shifts for me in the last 12 months was surrounding myself with the right people: people with growth mindsets.
The impact has been huge. As entrepreneurs, we second-guess ourselves constantly. We doubt ourselves enough already. We don't need anyone else doing it for us.
The people around you set the ceiling on what you believe is possible. Choose people who raise it.
Stepping into the next chapter
Platform55 is now an Enterprise Ireland client, and we are about to fundraise. That's another area where women founders are still behind.
So here's my commitment: I'm leaving imposter syndrome and gender bias at the door as I step confidently into this stage of growth. I know we have built something special. We are delivering for our clients, and the results speak for themselves.
Whoever joins us on this journey won't just get a return. They'll be doing something really positive for future generations.
And do you know what else? We're going to have a little bit of fun along the way.
For more information on Platform 55 - Visit their website below