Small businesses across the country are being encouraged to get involved in Local Enterprise Week 2026, as the full schedule has revealed over 330 events will be taking place across the five days.
The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices will see events taking place in each of the 31 local authority areas focused on helping businesses at all stages of their development, even those who may have a business idea they want to get support with. The events range from accessing funding and the benefits of AI to how to make your business more productive and save money.
The events include an AI training event for small businesses with Google, an innovation day with Microsoft as part of the Student Enterprise Programme, Padel networking, a live pitch battle event for businesses, a host of events for International Women’s Day with range of well-known names taking part across the country.
From businesses that have been supported by their Local Enterprise Office like Ella & Jo to money experts like Eoin McGee, broadcaster and entrepreneur Bobby Kerr and sporting heroes like Kellie Harrington and Derval O’Rourke there is plenty on offer across the country.
Kieran Comerford, Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices, said; “Local Enterprise Week is all about opportunity. If you’ve already got a business and there’s a specific area you want to explore or find out more about then this is for you. Similarly, if you’ve got a great idea for a business and you want to sense check it with experts who have been there and done it, Local Enterprise Week is that opportunity.
The Local Enterprise Offices open their doors to everyone and every business to show what is available and what is on offer and create events with experts and businesses that have seen it all. So, if you want to cut costs in your business, access funding or get a handle on how AI can positively impact your business then Local Enterprise Week is for you. It’s the perfect chance to see the huge range of supports that are already out there.”
Anne Lanigan, Head of Local Enterprise and Regions, Enterprise Ireland, said; “Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support and be involved in Local Enterprise Week. Working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices, this week is a chance for small businesses to focus on key areas where they can make a real difference for their future ambitions.
“This may be in relation to digitalisation or becoming more sustainable, or those who have ambition to grow internationally and begin to find new markets. If you are a business with the ambition to grow, internationalise or innovate, then there is something for you at Local Enterprise Week and we would encourage every small business out there to see what is happening in their area this year and take that next step.”
Shane Tiernan is Chair of the County and City Management Association (CCMA) Economic Development Committee and Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council. He said: “Small and medium-sized enterprises play a crucial role in building strong local economies. Helping these businesses grow and succeed continues to be a major focus for the local government sector. One of the key ways we deliver this support is through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) network.
“Each of Ireland’s 31 local authorities has a LEO office, which provides both new and existing entrepreneurs with a broad mix of expertise, training, and practical supports. This is a fantastic resource, and I would encourage anyone considering starting or expanding a small business to explore what’s available during Local Enterprise Week.”
The Local Enterprise Offices, located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland, support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014, they have been the first stop for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and provide a range of supports, including funding, mentoring, training and sector-specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.
They also run key initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country, including Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the Student Enterprise Programme and the National Enterprise Awards. The Local Enterprise Offices are also running a campaign encouraging small businesses to save time, money, and energy by availing of their competitiveness and productivity supports, including Green, Lean and Digital for Business.
Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week, from March 2nd to 6th, are available at www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Week.
