A small business from County Carlow could be one of 31 who get a chance to exhibit as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Village at the Ploughing Championships in September.
The largest outdoor event in Europe will see over 250,000 visitors across the three days from the 17th to 19th September. The Local Enterprise Village, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, will house small businesses from every sector and from across the country and they are opening applications for businesses to get involved.
Small businesses are being asked to enquire with Local Enterprise Office Carlow about eligibility to take part and can contact them through www.localenterprise.ie/Carlow/ or email enterprise@carlowcoco.ie
The selected business will get the opportunity to take exhibit at the event for the full three days and will be fully trained by the Local Enterprise Office team in merchandising, sales and marketing to help maximise their participation at the event.
Year on year the Local Enterprise Village proves to be one of the most popular destinations and is located right in the heart of the Ploughing Championships.
Speaking about the value of the Local Enterprise Village and the National Ploughing Championships , Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “”The Local Enterprise Village provide a vital platform for clients to connect with consumers, fostering valuable relationships and driving economic growth in our rural areas” and “I know the National Ploughing Championships embody the vibrant spirit of our rural communities, showcasing the resilience and innovation and also provides a significant economic spin-off for Carlow given its just next door in County Laois”. Andrea continued to say “I know with the support of the Local Enterprise Office this is a unique opportunity for clients to showcase their business”. Andrea concluded by saying “Showcasing your business is not just about presenting products or services; it's about telling your story, sharing your values, and building connections with your audience. It's an opportunity to demonstrate why your business matters and how it can make a difference in people's lives”.
Melissa Doyle , Business Advisor with the Local Enterprise Office said "The National Ploughing Championship is an iconic fixture on the Irish calendar, renowned for its massive attendance and vibrant atmosphere spanning three exhilarating days. For small businesses, participation in this event offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with throngs of potential customers, each day presenting a unique chance to showcase products and services. The impact of such exposure on a business can be profound, potentially propelling growth and brand recognition to new heights. In preparation for this monumental event, we are committed to working closely with participating businesses throughout the summer months”.
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 ten years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 35,000 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 or by applying here: Local Enterprise Village @ National Ploughing Championships - Expression of Interest Application Form | Carlow County Council's Online Consultation Portal