The Local Enterprise Village, as part of this year’s National Ploughing Championships, wants to find the next Irish start-up success story. The Village, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, will be open at the Championships, which will be taking place in Screggan, County Offaly from the 15th-17th September.
The Local Enterprise Village will house 31 Local Enterprise Office supported small businesses from across the country that showcase the very best of Irish enterprise from clothing craft and artisanal food to bovine genetics and woodwork machinery.
This year the Local Enterprise Village will also have a Business Advice Hub for any budding entrepreneurs or existing businesses who want to get advice from the Local Enterprise Offices Specialist Business Advisors. So, for anyone who has a business idea that wants to figure out how to get it off the ground or for someone with an existing business who may want advice on funding, sustainability or building digital and AI into their business there will be advisors on hand to meet with.
The Local Enterprise Village will again host the Google AI team this year following on from the success of the Google area in 2025. Their experts will also be in the Local Enterprise Village with an interactive area focused making AI work for you and your business.
With close to 300,000 visitors expected across the three days of the event the Local Enterprise Village provides these small businesses with significant exposure to new audiences and potential new customers. Enterprise Europe Network will also be based in the Village for the first time, giving advice to businesses who want to begin looking at new markets across the EU.
For Mike Cantwell, Chair of the Local Enterprise Village Committee and Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Limerick, the Local Enterprise Village is three days of opportunity for both the businesses in the Village and those who want to tap into some expert advice during the Championships.
“The opening of the Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championships is always one of the highlights of the year for the small businesses we support. With almost 300,000 visitors attending over the three days, it provides an unrivalled opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, reach new customers and grow their businesses,” Cantwell said.
“In the lead-up to the event, Local Enterprise Offices across the country work closely with participating businesses to help them make the most of this opportunity. From sales and marketing support and AI training to merchandising and social media promotion, our focus is on ensuring each exhibitor is fully prepared to maximise their presence at Ireland’s largest outdoor event.
“This year, visitors to the Local Enterprise Village will also have access to specialist business advisors throughout the three days. Whether you are running a business, considering a new venture, or simply exploring an idea, our experts will be available for prebooked, one-to-one consultations and practical advice. We are also delighted to welcome Google back to the Village, where visitors can experience interactive demonstrations of Gemini and discover how AI can support both business growth and everyday life.
He finished by saying; The Local Enterprise Village will once again showcase some of the very best small businesses from every corner of the country. From award-winning artisan food and drink producers to craft, design and manufacturing businesses, visitors will discover a diverse range of innovative products and services in areas such as skin cancer prevention and emergency incident response. Whether you’re looking for something unique, practical or inspiring, there truly is something for everyone.”
Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, said: “The Local Enterprise Village is such a valuable part of the Ploughing, giving small Irish businesses from across the country the opportunity to showcase what they do to the huge crowds that attend each year. We are delighted to welcome the 31 businesses selected this year and it’s great to see them have the opportunity to reach new customers and showcase their products & services to such a large audience.
It’s great to welcome Google back for a second year, alongside the Local Enterprise Offices who will be on hand offering advice and support. It’s great to see such valuable supports available to small businesses and budding entrepreneurs.”
The Local Enterprise Village is just one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.
Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception twelve years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 80,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie
Launch of the 2026 Local Enterprise Village, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, which will be on site at the National Ploughing Championships showcasing some of the very best small businesses from across the country. Google and the Enterprise Europe Network will also be in the village this year to help aid businesses with AI and Export support.
LOCAL ENTERPRISE VILLAGE CLIENTS @ NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026
Little and Loveable – Local Enterprise Office Carlow
Little & Loveable is a rural Irish gift business founded by husband-and-wife team Ana and John. The company creates beautifully made, personalised gifts designed to celebrate memories, moments and milestones, including its signature handcrafted Sport Medal Display Boxes for storing and showcasing sporting achievements. Website: www.littleandloveable.com
J.E. Engineering Ltd – Local Enterprise Office Cavan
J.E. Engineering Ltd is a County Cavan business specialising in the repair and maintenance of Ford, Fiat and New Holland tractors. Building on its engineering expertise, the company has expanded into product manufacturing, with its Mobility Lift among its first innovations. Website: Not provided
Hurst Botanicals – Local Enterprise Office Clare
Hurst Botanicals is a premium kombucha brewery based in County Clare, producing sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks through an authentic, unhurried fermentation process. Its award-winning range includes Apple & Elderflower, Ginger, Pear & Plum, Wild Berry and seasonal varieties, and the business is Ireland’s only Fairtrade-certified drinks producer. Website: www.hurstbotanicals.ie
Second Street Bakeshop – Local Enterprise Office Cork City
Second Street Bakeshop is an award-winning Cork confectionery business handcrafting premium American-style toffee brittles with an Irish twist. Made with ingredients including Cork butter and Achill Island sea salt, its naturally gluten-free range combines Irish provenance with contemporary snack innovation and includes new plant-based flavours. Website: www.secondstreetbakeshop.com
Sónua – Local Enterprise Office Cork North & West
Sónua is an Irish lifestyle and home-fragrance company combining design, technology and sustainability. Its premium rechargeable scented LED candles feature real-wax finishes and smart app controls, offering a stylish, safe and reusable alternative for design-conscious, eco-aware and technology-focused consumers. Website: www.sonuaofficial.com
Target Genetics – Local Enterprise Office South Cork
Target Genetics is an advanced bovine genetics and embryo-production company serving beef and dairy farmers across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Founded by veterinary surgeon Paddy Buckley, it provides in-vitro embryo production, ovum pick-up, embryo transfer and import-export services to accelerate genetic gain, improve herd performance and maximise the value of elite cattle genetics. Website: www.targetgenetics.ie
Jerusha Marley – Local Enterprise Office Donegal
Jerusha Marley is a Donegal-based Irish artist and luxury design brand creating silk scarves, velvet cushions, prints and cards inspired by sacred geometry, Celtic symbolism, Irish mythology and spirituality. Each collection begins as original hand-drawn artwork and is transformed into meaningful wearable and collectible art sold in Ireland and worldwide. Website: www.jerushamarley.com
The Wonky Woolins – Local Enterprise Office Dublin City The Wonky Woolins is a multi-award-winning Irish children’s brand creating ethically handmade, heirloom-quality toys and baby gifts. Inspired by handmade toys passed down through founder Chloe Gardiner’s family, the business now supports more than 150 women globally through fair-wage work and is stocked by leading Irish retailers. Website: www.thewonkywoolins.com
Pathways.ie – College Life Made Easier – Local Enterprise Office Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
Pathways.ie is an Irish education-support service helping parents and students navigate the transition from the Leaving Certificate into further and higher education. Through talks, webinars and one-to-one guidance, it provides practical support on the realities of starting college and works with schools, communities and families nationwide. Website: www.pathways.ie
Elite Woodworking Machinery – Local Enterprise Office Fingal
Elite Woodworking Machinery is an Irish supplier of premium woodworking and sawmilling equipment to manufacturing, joinery and rural-enterprise customers. The company combines tailored solutions, expert advice and strong after-sales support and holds exclusive Irish distribution rights for Wood-Mizer. Website: www.elitewoodworkingmachinery.ie
Woolow – Local Enterprise Office Galway
Woolow is an Irish sleep-care company designing and manufacturing products made with chemical-free natural wool. Its Dublin-made bedding range is complemented by a social programme with Brothers of Charity centres that creates employment and upskilling opportunities through the assembly of sustainable wool-based sensory toys. Website: www.woolow.com
Muckross Wild Irish Spirits – Local Enterprise Office Kerry
Muckross Wild Irish Spirits is a premium drinks company based in Muckross, Killarney, producing distinctive gin and vodka inspired by the local landscape. Its spirits feature hand-foraged botanicals including rosehip, heather, hawthorn, blackthorn and gorse, blended to create smooth, characterful flavours. Website: www.muckrossirishspirits.com
SUNiRE Ltd – Local Enterprise Office Kildare
SUNiRE Ltd is an Irish start-up addressing occupational skin-cancer risk in agriculture. Founded by skin-cancer survivor Linda Chanders, it combines an Irish-made UPF50+ Face Shield with workshops and its digital Safe Space hub to promote sun protection, early-detection awareness and support. Website: www.sunireprotect.com
RSI Ltd – Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny
RSI (Radon Services Ireland) is an award-winning Irish company providing radon testing and bespoke mitigation solutions for homes and businesses. Established in 2024, it designs and assembles practical systems that reduce radon levels, improve indoor air quality and help rural households and businesses protect health and building performance. Website: www.rsi.ie
Le Skinny Chef Ltd – Local Enterprise Office Laois
Le Skinny Chef is a Portlaoise-based producer of premium, 100% plant-based foods, including award-winning pesto spreads, dips, sauces and concentrated soups. Founded by French chef Aymar Gourdet, the business serves retail, online, private-label, food-service and export markets and is pursuing further growth in the UK and Europe. Website: www.leskinnychef.com
Pathfinders Custom Conversions Ltd – Local Enterprise Office Leitrim
Pathfinders Custom Conversions is a family-run Leitrim specialist in handcrafted, bespoke vehicle transformations. The company converts vans into luxury campers, restores vintage Land Rovers and creates professional mobile workspaces, combining craftsmanship and innovative design with certification from RGI and Safe Electric. Website: www.pathfinderscustomconversions.com
Wild Orchard Natural Beverages – Local Enterprise Office Limerick
Wild Orchard Natural Beverages is a Limerick-based producer of premium natural soft drinks, including fresh juices, pure smoothies and sparkling lemonades. Its products are available throughout Ireland and are also exported through the company’s online store. Website: www.wildorchard.ie
Tolvita – Local Enterprise Office Longford
Tolvita Limited is an Ireland-based provider of high-quality construction and cladding solutions for residential and commercial projects. Drawing on strong engineering and construction expertise, the company supplies modern materials and services focused on quality, reliability, durability and visual appeal. Website: www.tolvita.ie
SafeShel – Local Enterprise Office Louth
SafeShel is a multi-award-winning Irish company specialising in rapid-deploy inflatable emergency shelters that protect casualty privacy and dignity. Developed from frontline Irish Coast Guard experience, SafeShel inflates in under 15 seconds and is used by emergency services, sports clubs, universities, airports and response teams in Ireland, Poland and the UK. Website: www.safeshel.com
Van Velze’s Luxury Chocolates – Local Enterprise Office Mayo
Van Velze’s Luxury Chocolates is an Irish artisan chocolatier creating premium handmade chocolates with rare cocoa and fine Irish ingredients. Established in 2023, the company specialises in elegant personal, retail and corporate gifts designed to deliver a memorable luxury chocolate experience. Website: www.vanvelzes.ie
Aura Sports Cream – Local Enterprise Office Meath
Aura Sports is an Irish company founded in 2025 by brothers Hugh and Rory Staunton to develop natural creams and rubs for sports recovery. Its signature Aura Sports Cream is made in Ireland with capsaicin derived from chilli peppers, creating a warming sensation that helps soothe muscles after physical activity. Website: www.aurasportscream.com
A-Bars Ireland – Local Enterprise Office Monaghan
A-Bars Ireland is a County Monaghan manufacturer of high-quality stainless-steel vehicle accessories for vans, 4x4s and trucks. Established in 2006, the business produces towbar guards, nudge bars, side bars and custom products while also providing CNC cutting, tube bending and bespoke fabrication services. Website: www.abarsireland.ie
The Water Treatment Centre – Local Enterprise Office Offaly
The Water Treatment Centre is a family-owned Irish water-treatment business with more than 20 years of industry experience. It provides water softeners, drinking-water filtration and well-water treatment solutions, supported by expert advice, qualified installation, aftercare and a customer-focused showroom. Website: www.thewatertreatmentcentre.ie
Ah Sure It’s Seaweed – Local Enterprise Office Roscommon
Ah Sure It’s Seaweed offers sustainably harvested, 100% Irish seaweed from Ireland’s west coast, dried using renewable energy at temperatures that preserve the plant’s natural properties. Its chemical-free seaweed soil conditioner is rich in minerals, amino acids and natural bioactive compounds that support soil health. Website: www.thewicklowseaweedcompany.com
Lambsafe – Local Enterprise Office Sligo
Lambsafe is a Sligo-based agricultural business developing practical products that make lambing safer and less physically demanding for farmers and lambs. Its first product, the Lamb Station, is a lightweight, robust support that suspends a lamb securely at waist height during essential tasks. Website: www.lambsafe.ie
Sweet King – Actually Good Popcorn – Local Enterprise Office South Dublin
Treat Street Limited is a Dublin-based, sustainability-focused snack company that packs and manufactures confectionery and gourmet popcorn under the Sweet King and Actually Good brands. Its products use bespoke, sustainably designed resealable packaging, with the Actually Good Gourmet Popcorn range bringing a fresh offering to the Irish snack market. Website: www.sweetking.co
Rívesci – Local Enterprise Office Tipperary
Rívesci is a multi-award-winning condiment company based in Clonmel, founded by Shannon Forrest and Michelin-star-trained chef Declan Malone. The business produces premium small-batch chilli oils and condiments using quality Irish ingredients where possible and was named Blas na hÉireann Supreme Champion in 2024. Website: www.rivesci.ie
Oh My Cookies – Local Enterprise Office Waterford
Oh My Cookies is a Waterford artisan bakery specialising in large New York-style cookies, cookie bars and cookie cakes. Handmade in small batches with high-quality ingredients, its visually distinctive products are sold online with nationwide delivery, supplied to local cafés and offered at markets and pop-up events. Website: www.ohmycookies.ie
E Vehicle Accessories Ireland – Local Enterprise Office Westmeath
E Vehicle Accessories Ireland is an Athlone-based designer and manufacturer of practical accessories for electric vehicles. Best known for its custom-fit front trunks, or “frunks”, the company also offers armrests, paint protectors, boot-space extenders and interior-organisation products, with worldwide shipping available. Website: www.evaccessoriesireland.com
The Hair Doctor – Local Enterprise Office Wexford
The Hair Doctor is an award-winning Irish haircare brand founded by master stylist Keara Howard, specialising in solutions for hard water and healthy hair. Best known for its Shower Filter, the company also offers professional haircare products and award-winning brushes and is stocked in more than 80 pharmacies and salons across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Website: www.hairdoc.ie
Equibuff – Local Enterprise Office Wicklow
Equibuff is a Wicklow-based equestrian-products company creating practical solutions for horse owners. Its SaddleDock provides a portable, secure place to hold a saddle at the stable, in a field, beside a car or at a show, while its multipurpose Grooming Sponge reduces the need for a large collection of brushes. Website: www.equibuff.ie