Join Powerhouse for our first trade mission! We will spend 1.5-days in Newry, Co. Armagh bringing together 16 ambitious businesswomen from Carlow and Northern Ireland to develop skills, learn about the opportunities of trading in the Northern Irish market, and meet peers.
The Powerhouse Network is supported by Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office and our partners in Carlow Library Service, County Carlow Chamber, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and Southeast Technological University a dynamic community built to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals by offering the connections, tools, and inspiration needed to succeed. As part of the South East support ecosystem, Powerhouse works to foster a space where women can develop and grow their businesses, increase turnover, and address sustainability goals.
The network emphasises peer learning, collaboration, and mentorship, offering a platform for women to share experiences, solve challenges together, and develop innovative business strategies.
Over the course of the programme, you will learn from inspiring speakers and industry leaders as they share fresh perspectives on leadership, finance, and the future of business in the age of AI. You will connect with like-minded women through interactive workshops, energising networking sessions, and collaborative discussions that spark ideas and build lasting relationships. You’ll leave with sharper strategic thinking, strengthened business skills, and a clear view of new opportunities for cross-border and international expansion, ready to turn insight into action. Our speakers include:
Edwina Flynn, Chief Executive of Wood Innovations Ltd and President of Newry Chamber. Edwina leads strategic marketing and business development, strengthening market position and delivering sustained growth. As a certified Executive Coach, she equips professionals with practical tools to lead and perform. Her experience in office administration and property management underpins efficient, process-led operations. Edwina advocates for women in enterprise and supports regional economic development through collaborative leadership.
Camilla Long is a speaker coach and leadership communication specialist at Bespoke Communications. She helps leaders build workplaces where people show up authentically, take ownership and do their best work. As a speaker coach, Camilla equips executives and founders to present with clarity and presence, whether motivating teams, influencing senior stakeholders, delivering TEDx-style talks, or speaking on camera. Her coaching methods cultivate psychological safety and the skills for high-stakes conversations, from giving and receiving feedback to resolving conflict.
Catherine Devine is a Board Member of Glow NI, a charity dedicated to improving women’s mental health, confidence, and self-esteem. GLOW equips participants with lifelong tools to think more clearly and positively. Catherine also works as a manager at Hill Vallacott, a Belfast-based accountancy firm.
Naomh McElhatton will facilitate the discussions and workshops. Naomh is the Irish Ambassador for Women in AI, creating collaboration, partnerships and education that empower women to lead in AI. A serial entrepreneur, AI strategist and mentor, she has 20+ years launching, scaling and advising ventures across technology, education, healthcare, manufacturing and construction. She founded the Business of AI Club, a global platform that equips leaders with practical frameworks to adopt AI responsibly and strategically. She also created The She Said Club, advancing women’s personal and professional growth through events, mentorship and expert-led conversations. An advocate for ethical, inclusive AI, Naomh has led multiple startups, advised digital transformations, and was named Northern Ireland’s Most Inspirational Woman in STEM (2024). An MIT graduate, she is an Associate Lecturer at Ulster University, a STEM Ambassador, and serves on the boards of Queen’s University Belfast Students’ Union and Young Social Innovators.
This Powerhouse trade mission is a first of its kind and offers an energising blend of practical learning, peer-to-peer connection and forward-thinking discussion. You will leave with new insights, renewed confidence and a supportive network of women leaders driving change across the island of Ireland.
Who should apply
Women entrepreneurs, founders and leaders with at least two years in business, an annual turnover of €50,000 or more, and the ambition to grow beyond borders.
Why you should attend
Powerhouse is more than an event; it is the beginning of a lasting network of women shaping the future of business across Ireland.
Spaces are limited to 8 participants. Please email enterprise@carlowcoco.ie to give expression of interest. A contribution of €200 will apply.
