Powerhouse: Empowering Businesswomen

The Powerhouse Network is a dynamic community dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals. It provides the connections, tools, and inspiration needed to excel in their careers and businesses.

The network is part of the South East support eco-System which is designed to be a catalyst for businesswomen in developing their professional network in order to develop and drive their business from a turnover, employment and sustainability viewpoint while also providing a forum for peer support for business challenges.

The network is run as  a collaboration between Carlow County Council - Local Enterprise Office & Library Service, County Carlow Chamber, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and South East Technological University. Together, these organisations work to create an inclusive and supportive platform for businesswomen to thrive.

With a foundation built on three core pillars, the network ensures its members receive comprehensive support to succeed:

• Support

Powerhouse fosters a strong network where businesswomen can build meaningful relationships, gain peer support, and access practical business advice. It offers a space to share experiences, challenges, and achievements, creating a collective spirit of resilience and growth.

• Inspiration

Through engaging events and access to industry leaders, the network inspires its members to aim higher. Learning from seasoned professionals and successful businesswomen, members are encouraged to embrace opportunities and drive impactful change in their businesses and careers.

• Learning

Powerhouse equips its members with essential skills, actionable strategies, and cutting-edge business insights. Tailored programs and workshops ensure that members are equipped to navigate a competitive landscape while advancing their knowledge and expertise.

How to become a member ?

Powerhouse aims to be an accessible network for businesswomen and operates on a pay as you go model. Business women become a member following attendance at their first paid activity with the Network. Members will:

• Receipt an e-mail Powerhouse Member Badge
• Receipt an invite to all Powerhouse Activities
• Submit Content for Promotion on the Powerhouse Linkedin & Facebook Accounts

The Network is for business women in business and members.

The Powerhouse Women in Business Network presents its dynamic Programme for 2025, designed to empower, connect, and inspire women entrepreneurs and professionals. This program focuses on fostering support, inspiration, and learning through a series of impactful events and initiatives.

Support-Focused Events

• International Women’s Day Celebrate and honour the achievements of women in business globally, fostering empowerment and recognition.
• National Women’s Enterprise Day Highlight and connect women entrepreneurs across the country, creating opportunities for collaboration and shared success.
• Powerhouse South East Summitt Hosted in SETU, the Powerhouse South East Summitt is an Annual South East Regional event which aims to provide focused support and expertise in areas of topical focus and opportunity for businesswomen. In 2025, the Powerhouse Southeast Summitt will focus on Innovation and feature cutting edge speakers , coupled with tailored presentation and advice of case studies with advice on business supports.

Support & Inspire Events

• The Business Break Series (Quarterly) Short, impactful networking sessions offering practical advice, peer collaboration, and inspiration.
• Powerhouse Student Enterprise Day Inspire the next generation of women entrepreneurs by connecting students with experienced business leaders and professionals.

Learning-Focused Programs

• Powerhouse Digital for Business Academy** Equip members with essential digital skills to drive business growth and innovation in an ever-evolving landscape. The academy features one day of training and 2 mentoring sessions with a specialist teams of advisors who will support businesswomen in their digital opportunity journey for their business.

**eligible for businesswomen in County Carlow only.

This Programme 2025 reflects Powerhouse’s commitment to supporting businesswomen through meaningful connections, inspiring leadership, and transformative learning opportunities. By leveraging the expertise and resources of key partners—including Carlow County Council - Local Enterprise Office & Library Service, County Carlow Chamber, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and South East Technological University—Powerhouse ensures women entrepreneurs have the tools and community they need to thrive.

Information on events and activities can be found here: Online Bookings - Carlow (localenterprise.ie)