American businesswoman Monica Dodi has shared her story of success with Bermuda’s female entrepreneurs.

The founder of The Women’s Venture Capital Fund also offered advice on how to approach investors and what they look for in a start-up business.

Ms Dodi spoke at a luncheon hosted by US Consul General Mary Ellen Koenig to celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day and the Women’s Day breakfast seminar put on by Bermuda Economic Development Corporation.

BEDC business consultant Joyce Hayward said: “It was great to see women entrepreneurs collaborating and networking together. It was also awesome to see the connections and new relationships being forged.

“From the positive sharing that’s taken place, I’m sure that many women, businesses as well as Bermuda will never be the same.”

The luncheon on November 17 was part of a series of activities highlighting Global Entrepreneurship Week in partnership with the BEDC.

Guests included local women ranging from experienced business owners and recently established entrepreneurs to those exploring entrepreneurship as a future career.

Ms Dodi, who has created and developed a variety of successful global brands, spoke about her success as a co-founder of MTV Europe and her work spearheading European Licensing for Walt Disney.

At the BEDC’S Women’s Day breakfast seminar — Can We Have it All — at HSBC Harbourview, she talked about how to obtain funding and the importance of diversity in the workplace.

Junior economic development minister Crystal Caesar opened the breakfast, which also featured local female panellists who highlighted key moments in their careers.

They included Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone, founder of The Bermuda Perfumery, Simone Smith-Bean, founder of law firm Smith Bean & Co, and Shawnette Griffin, vice president of Consumer Credit at Butterfield Bank.

Each panellist encouraged women to set specific goals and network aggressively, while also emphasising the importance of work-life balance.

Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is part of a movement that empowers, celebrates and supports women in business worldwide.

• For more information about Women’s Entrepreneurship Day or Global Entrepreneurship Week, visit www.womenseday.org