The highly anticipated relaunch of Powerhouse proved to be an overwhelming success today, with over 120 businesswomen from across the Southeast gathered at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel to celebrate, network, and gain valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and innovation. The event, coinciding with International Women’s Day, brought together entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals eager to connect and elevate their careers.
With an atmosphere of empowerment and inspiration, attendees were captivated by the keynote address from Marie Gleeson, a former Irish Navy Captain, who shared her powerful journey of leadership in high-pressure environments. Her compelling insights into resilience, strategic decision-making, and overcoming challenges resonated deeply with the audience.
The relaunch was made possible through the collaboration of Carlow County Council Local Enterprise Office & Library Service, County Carlow Chamber of Commerce, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and South East Technological University (SETU), all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to creating an inclusive and thriving business community for women.
Speaking about the relaunch, Cllr. Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council noted that today marks a pivotal moment for businesswomen in the Southeast. “The relaunch of Powerhouse is about more than just networking; it is about creating real opportunities for women to excel in business and leadership. This initiative will provide the support, guidance, and community needed to ensure that female entrepreneurs and professionals have the resources to thrive. The enthusiasm we have seen here today confirms that Powerhouse will play a significant role in driving business growth and innovation across our region.”
Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor at Carlow County Council Local Enterprise Office, highlighted the power of collaboration in strengthening support for businesswomen: “The new chapter of Powerhouse is built on strong partnerships that bring together expertise, resources, and opportunities for businesswomen in the Southeast. By working alongside Carlow County Council, County Carlow Chamber, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and SETU, we are ensuring that female entrepreneurs and professionals have access to high-quality mentorship, training, and business development tools. This collaboration makes Powerhouse an invaluable network for women at every stage of their careers.”
The panel discussion featured expert speakers including Marie Gleeson, Gemma Purcell, Sarah Byrne and Laura Mongey. Each speaker provided insights on navigating challenges in business, leveraging digital transformation, and harnessing leadership skills to foster growth.
The power of collaboration was a key theme throughout the event, as Nicola Doran, CEO of County Carlow Chamber and MC on the day, highlighted: “We are exceptionally lucky in Carlow to have such a strong and progressive support eco-system, for businesses to connect into and interact with. And more importantly to have such an active and engaged network of businesses of every size, throughout the county that are excelling in their fields at home and abroad. Listening to both the speakers and the attendees, there was a very real ethos of mutual support and collaboration evident in the room today. The newly developed Powerhouse programme will add to this through its suite of activities and events tailored to the needs of female entrepreneurs, executives and professionals.”
Ensuring continued development and skill enhancement is at the heart of Powerhouse, Ashling Ward Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet pointed out: “Empowering businesswomen means investing in their leadership skills and professional development. Powerhouse is a critical initiative in providing access to high-quality training and expertise, equipping women with the tools they need to succeed in an evolving business world.”
Reflecting on the relaunch, Marie Claire Van Hout, South East Technological University (SETU), emphasised the role of education and innovation: “Supporting women in business is not just beneficial for individuals but for the wider economy. Powerhouse ensures that female entrepreneurs and professionals can access the knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities required to drive forward new ideas and enterprises. SETU is proud to contribute to this vital initiative.”
Speaking about the relaunch of the Powerhouse Network, Coilín O'Reilly , Chief Executive of Carlow County Council said, “The Powerhouse Network is a testament to the strength and ambition of women entrepreneurs and professionals in County Carlow and beyond. As part of the South East support ecosystem, this dynamic initiative is designed to empower businesswomen by providing the connections, tools, and inspiration needed to excel in their careers and enterprises.” He continued saying, “Carlow County Council, through the Local Enterprise Office and Library Service, is proud to collaborate with County Carlow Chamber, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and South East Technological University in delivering this essential network. Together, we are creating an inclusive and supportive platform where businesswomen can thrive, grow, and drive their businesses forward in terms of turnover, employment, and long-term sustainability. With a strong foundation built on support, inspiration, and learning, the Powerhouse Network will foster a vibrant community where women can build meaningful relationships, access peer support, and gain practical business insights. By engaging with industry leaders, sharing experiences, and developing critical skills, members are equipped to navigate the competitive business landscape with confidence and resilience.”
The event concluded with closing remarks from Aoife Byrne of Seamus Byrne Electrical, reinforcing the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning in today’s business world.
With an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees, today’s relaunch marks the beginning of a new chapter for Powerhouse. This dynamic network is set to play a vital role in supporting businesswomen in the Southeast, ensuring they have the resources, mentorship, and connections necessary for success. As part of its renewed mission, Powerhouse has announced an exciting schedule of events for the year ahead, including leadership masterclasses, networking breakfasts, and industry-specific workshops designed to support businesswomen at all stages of their careers. These events will provide valuable opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration within the Southeast business community.
For more information, please contact Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office on 059 91 29783 or mdoyle@carlowcoco.ie