Powerhouse celebrates County Carlow’s female entrepreneurial achievements.
Powerhouse Awards, a prominent advocate for entrepreneurship, proudly hosted an event dedicated to recognising and celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of female entrepreneurs in County Carlow. Over 120 female entrepreneurs and their supporters gathered in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow for the annual Powerhouse – Female Enterprise Awards recently hosted by Carlow County Council's, Local Enterprise Office with MC Sile Seoige at the helm. The Powerhouse Women in Business Awards acknowledges and celebrates women's professional achievements and entries were open to women in business with businesses of less than 10 staff located in County Carlow.
Opening the awards, Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “We must acknowledge the immense economic impact that women have. Women-owned businesses are a force to be reckoned with, contributing significantly to our economy. These businesses create jobs, generate income, and foster innovation, making them vital to our economic growth and prosperity. The success of women in business not only benefits individual entrepreneurs but ripples throughout society, strengthening our collective future”. Concluding Andrea said “We are not just honouring successful businesswomen; we are also recognising the importance of mentorship and support networks. Many of the women being honoured here have faced tremendous challenges along their journey. But they have also had mentors, sponsors, and fellow women who have supported them every step of the way. We must continue to foster these supportive networks, creating opportunities for women to thrive in their careers and personal lives”.
32 Finalists were shortlisted for the awards out of an astonishing 70 applications with the 8 awards being presented to the following winners:
- Powerhouse - Creativity Award
Emma Butler – White Meadows Interiors
- Powerhouse - Excellence in Personal Services - Retail
Jane Byrne – Studio Dancewear
- Powerhouse - Excellence in Personal Services for Business - Consumer
Caroline Davis – Caroline’s Breast Care
- Powerhouse - Best Newcomer/Start-up of the Year
Ciara Stanely – Ballybar Ireland
- Powerhouse - Digital Marketing Award
Lucy Gernon – 3Sixty Leaders Club
- Powerhouse - Employee of the Year Award
Alison Lyons – ARC Construction Solutions Ireland
- Powerhouse – Special Recognition Award
Maria Byrne - MarieSue Lingerie Limited
- Powerhouse - Female Entrepreneur of the Year
Ciara Stanely – Ballybar Ireland, Ardattin Embroidery and Coppenagh Farm House
Melissa Doyle, Coordinator of Powerhouse Women in Business Network, said “Powerhouse Women in Business Awards offer a platform for recognition, empowerment, and networking, fostering a supportive business environment while promoting the achievements of women in various industries”. Melissa concluded saying, “I want to extend my congratulations to each businesswoman for putting themselves forward and entering such awards which celebrates the achievements of female entrepreneurs in the County of Carlow”.
Ciara Stanley was crowned Female Entrepreneur of the Year, who has grown and developed not only one business but three businesses, Ballybar Ireland, Ardattin Embroidery and Coppenagh Farm House. Ciara stated, “I'm absolutely delighted, honoured and truly grateful to receive the Female Entrepreneur of the year 2023”.
The awards were attended by Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Tom O’Neill, Mayor of Carlow Municipal District, Deputy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD and Cllr. John Pender.
Powerhouse Women in Business Network will continue the programme into 2024 with a launch of next years programmes in the New Year.
If you’re a female entrepreneur/owner manager and want to find out more about the Powerhouse Women in Business programme log onto www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or contact Melissa Doyle on enterprise@carlowcoco.ie/ 059-9129783
