Sonya Lennon inspires County Carlow Female entrepreneur finalists in strategic away day

A day of collective inspiration with Sonya Lennon did not disappoint when the 20 Powerhouse Women in Business Awards Finalists came together in the lovely setting of Ballykealey House Hotel, Carlow on Thursday, 2nd February 2023 with Irish Fashion Stylist and TV Presenter Sonya Lennon.

This Retreat Day was part of the finalists’ prize package and was designed to help them develop, inspire and create positive impact with their fellow female entrepreneurs.

Speaking about the Female Entrepreneur Retreat Day, Melissa Doyle, Co-ordinator of ‘Powerhouse Women in Business’ said: “Rewarding the Powerhouse Awards Finalists with a Female Entrepreneur Retreat Day with Irish TV presenter Sonya Lennon was a golden opportunity for them to learn about her career and experience as a female entrepreneur through a mix of storytelling, humour and cold hard facts and how she developed a thriving business.”

Melissa also said “We were delighted to have given these businesswomen a day of invaluable content. I am sure each finalist has taken crucial learnings from the day and will implement them into their businesses.”

Commenting on the event, Séamus Doran, Assistant Head of Economic Development & Enterprise said: “This day equipped high-potential, female-led SMEs in Carlow to meet their potential and overcome challenges to become thriving businesses by being inspired by their peers.”

Séamus continued to say: “We are hosting a Special ‘Powerhouse – Women in Business’ Event on 8th March 2023 to align to International Women’s Day when we will welcome Joanne Sweeney as MC and hear from Annette Fox , CEO of Carlow County Development Partnership; Norah Ryan, Barrow Training & Development; and Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor with the Local Enterprise Office.”

Séamus concluded by saying that booking is free and now available on the Local Enterprise Office website on https://www.localenterprise. ie/Carlow/Training-Events/ Online-Bookings/International- Women-s-Day.html

Powerhouse Women in Business Network is a network co-ordinated by Carlow County Councils – Local Enterprise Office.

Speaking about the network, Cllr. Brian O’Donoghue, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said: “Powerhouse Women in Business Network is a strong group of diverse women who not only encourage one another’s success but also help each other grow. The Female Entrepreneur Retreat Day was a great opportunity to help businesswomen in Carlow create a strong bond and also learn from one of the most empowering and passionate keynote speakers.’

Brian continued to say: “To be part of the Powerhouse Women in Business Network has given businesswomen in Carlow many opportunities and is continuously helping women grow and develop their business skills.”

If you are a female entrepreneur or owner/manager and want to find out more about the Powerhouse Women in Business activities log onto www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or contact Melissa Doyle on enterprise@carlowcoco.ie  / 059-9129783