This June, the Powerhouse Network is bringing together women-led businesses across Carlow for a half-day showcase unlike anything this region has seen before. The Powerhouse Start-up & Scale Showcase is the first of its kind within the Powerhouse Network - an event that blends inspiration, expert-led learning, live pitching, and genuine connection.  

Whether you're in the early hustle of building your business or confidently scaling for your next chapter of growth, this event was designed with you in mind. Come ready to learn, to pitch, and to leave with clear next steps.  

This is your moment. Don't miss it.  

The details at a glance 

Date:            Tuesday 23rd June 2026 

Time:           9.30–14:30

Venue:         Haughton Building, SETU, Carlow 

Investment:    Free to attend  

This is an in-person event - come experience the energy of the room, meet peers and mentors face to face, and be part of this showcase.  

Who is this event for? 

The Powerhouse Start-up & Scale Showcase is built for women owner-managers based in Carlow or active members of the Powerhouse Network who are driving their businesses forward with ambition and purpose. This link is to apply for a Start Up, if you're plus 5 years in business click here

START-UPS: Years 1–5 in Business 

You're in the thick of building something real. You're learning fast, pivoting when needed, and constantly asking: what's my next move? This event will connect you with expert guidance across sales, marketing, and finance - and give you a supportive platform to pitch your business to an audience that wants to see you succeed.  

• Get practical insight from expert micro-sessions 
• Pitch in the dedicated Start-up stream and gain invaluable feedback 
• Meet mentors, fellow founders, and ecosystem supporters 
• Compete for the Best Start-up Pitch award and prize package 
• Leave with a clear pathway to further supports  

What to expect on the day ?

From the moment you walk through the doors, you'll feel the energy. Here's how the day unfolds: 

• 09:30  Welcome: Introduction to the event and the Powerhouse Network 
• 10:00  Perfecting Your Business Pitch with the Entrepreneurs Academy
• 11:00 Coffee/Networking/Practice Sessions
• 11:45  Live Pitch Showcase: Two simultaneous pitch rooms - Start-up stream and Scale-up stream – where everybody will pitch for 3 minutes.
• 12:45  Lunch & Networking
• 13:45  Awards ceremony and photos 
• 14:15  Next steps pathway: How to access mentoring, programmes, and training 
• 14:30 Wrap up

 What you will walk away with 

This isn't a passive event - it's a launchpad. Every aspect of the day is designed to give you something concrete to take home.  

• Actionable insights from four expert micro-sessions in Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Powerhouse partners’ supports 
• Live pitch experience with expert feedback in your dedicated business stage stream 
• Meaningful connections with fellow founders, mentors, and strategic partners 
• Access to our Ecosystem Marketplace featuring Carlow LEO, Skillnet, SETU enterprise supports, Carlow Library, and the Chamber 
• Clear next steps: mentoring bookings, programme sign-ups, and partner referrals 

Pitch, Win, and Get Recognised 

The Powerhouse Generator is a professional, supportive, and celebratory platform for Carlow women in business. Five businesses will pitch in each stream - judged transparently on problem clarity, solution differentiation, market approach, traction, and team credibility.  

Awards will be presented across four categories: 

• Best Start-up Pitch - Prize package includes €1,000 cash, 6 hours mentorship, Skillnet training credit, and 1 year free Chamber membership
• Best Scale-up Pitch - Prize package includes €1,000 cash, 6 hours mentorship, Skillnet training credit, and 1 year free Chamber membership