Over 30 small businesses from across the country will have the opportunity to showcase and promote their products to crowds of almost 300,000 at this year’s National Ploughing Championships. The Local Enterprise Village, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, will be a prominent feature at the event, which will take place in Ratheniska, County Laois from the 19th to 21st of September. The participating businesses cover a wide range of industries including kids clothing and games, agri-tech products, luxury bathing and skincare products, artisan food and drink producers, as well as sustainable clothing and beauty products. The Local Enterprise Village has consistently been one of the most popular attractions at the Ploughing Championships.
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond, expressed his support for the Local Enterprise Village, stating that it is a fantastic initiative for small businesses, especially those in their early years, to have a stand at such a significant event. He believes that the opportunity to engage with thousands of people at the Local Enterprise Village will be a great boost to their business.
Kieran Comerford, from the Local Enterprise Offices, emphasized the importance of the National Ploughing Championships as a major event in the Irish calendar, attracting a large crowd over three days. He highlighted the enormous opportunity for small businesses to connect with potential customers and the potential significant impact it could have on their business. Comerford also mentioned that the Local Enterprise Offices have been working closely with the participating businesses throughout the summer, assisting them with product development, marketing, and merchandising to ensure they make the most of this incredible opportunity. He added that there is something for everyone in the Local Enterprise Village.
James Sutton, President of the National Ploughing Association (NPA), expressed his delight at the diverse range of businesses that will be part of this year’s Local Enterprise Village. He believes that it is a wonderful opportunity for these small businesses to showcase their products to the large number of visitors that the Ploughing Championships attracts.
The Local Enterprise Village is just one of the many initiatives run by the Local Enterprise Offices to support entrepreneurship across the country. Other initiatives 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, which are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland, have been instrumental in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses since their establishment in 2014. They have helped create over 25,000 jobs across the country and have worked with thousands of client companies in various sectors, offering mentoring, training, expert advice, and financial support.
The National Ploughing Championships is an annual agricultural event that showcases the best of Irish farming, food, and rural life. It attracts visitors from all over Ireland and beyond, making it an ideal platform for small businesses to reach a wide audience. The Local Enterprise Village provides a unique opportunity for these businesses to gain exposure, make connections, and potentially expand their customer base. With the support and guidance of the Local Enterprise Offices, these small businesses are well-equipped to make the most of this incredible opportunity.