Empowering women entrepreneurs in Leitrim at EmpowHER 2025

An event designed to launch and support the growth of women-led enterprises will be held at Carrick-on-Shannon Business Campus on Friday, February 7.

Titled “EmpowHER 2025,” the event will feature panel discussions with women business leaders from 9:30am until 1pm.

Women remain significantly underrepresented in entrepreneurship, particularly in rural Ireland. 

This event seeks to bridge the gap by supporting female entrepreneurships across the western corridor, helping them launch businesses, achieve investment, and access the resources needed to scale successfully.

Former Dragon and entrepreneur Norah Casey is hosting the event at the reimagined Carrick-on-Shannon Business Campus. 

Joining her are some noteworthy women leaders in business including Louise Phelan, former Global VP of PayPal and Senior Independent Director at Ryanair; Breege O’Donoghue, Former Executive Director of Primark; Sonia Deasy, Founder and CEO of Pestle and Mortar; Oonagh O'Hagan, Owner and MD at Meaghers Pharmacy Group; and Niamh Ryan and Charlene Flanagan, Founders of Ella and Jo cosmetics.

“We need to address the gap in women entrepreneurship, particularly in areas outside of the urban hubs in Ireland,” commented Norah Casey, who has Leitrim roots and sits on the Carrick Campus Advisory Board.

Funding available for Leitrim heritage projects

The Heritage Council's 2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme is now open for applications for a variety of projects, with a deadline of Friday, March 14 at 12pm.

“Many women choose to live in more affordable community settings to raise families and our aim is to support them in a practical way by asking senior women leaders to share stories and swap experiences to help them fulfill their potential,” she added.

Chair of the Advisory Board, Caoimhe McLoughlin, Leitrim woman and partner at KPMG, will introduce the day and outline the benefits for entrepreneurs looking to scale and grow their business from the Carrick-on-Shannon hub. 

“This is a great opportunity to show what Leitrim can offer and to support and expand female entrepreneurship in the region,” Ms McLoughlin said.

“With the upcoming refurbishment of phase two of the Campus, and the big plans that we have to develop a smart hub here, we want the clear message to be that Leitrim is open for business and the Campus is a place designed to foster innovation and develop and scale businesses.” she added.

EmpowHer 2025 is supported by Leitrim County Council and will help in navigating challenges for female entrepreneurs, securing investment and support and scaling for sustainable growth.

“This event is a powerful showcase of successful women in business, sharing their valuable insights with female business owners in the region and further afield and we are delighted to be part of it,” said Emer Connolly, Senior Executive Officer, Economic Development at Leitrim County Council.

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