Local Enterprise Week encourages budding entrepreneurs to boldly go

Over 330 events taking place

Mon, 02 Mar, 2026 - 00:05

Martin Claffey

Almost a one in three (30%) Irish adults say they have an idea for a business or product they would like to pursue, according to research commissioned by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).

The findings were released on Monday as enterprise minister Peter Burke launched Local Enterprise Week 2026, which runs until Friday, with more than 330 events happening nationally across the week to support aspiring and established entrepreneurs.

The research found among those with a business idea, 40% say it came to them at home. Others found inspiration while talking to friends or family (15%), at work (15%), in bed (10%), during their commute (7%), while exercising (5%), or even in the shower (4%). Younger adults appear particularly entrepreneurial, with 52% of under-35s saying they currently have a business idea, compared to just 18% of those aged 55 and over.

Local Enterprise Week will see each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices hosting events throughout the week, covering topics such as funding opportunities, how to use AI in business, boosting productivity, and trading internationally.

Cork is represented by three LEOs - Cork city, Cork South, and Cork North and West - and the three bodies have combined for 'Export Excellence', a free hands-on half day workshop on Tuesday for SMEs taking their first steps into international markets. The event takes place at the Talbot Hotel in Ballincollig at 9.30am, and features expert advice insights from David Walsh of logistics firm SmartRoutes, Claire O'Sullivan of Wasi Seaweed Skincare, and Eddie O’Reilly of Genson Products Ltd Shoe Rescue.
"A lot of smaller businesses are almost accidental exporters," said Cork city LEO export business advisor Helen Murphy. "They might put something on their website and then they get orders from the UK and they become incidental or accidental exporters. But when they stop and think of it as a strategy, that's when they can see a big benefit We encourage all clients to do an export plan or internationalisation plan to focus o nwhat markets or sectors are important. We have supports that can help set people up for success."

LEO Cork has onine and in-person events, all free to attend but must be booked in advance. Other events include Side Hustle to Start Up, an online webinar to help would-be entrepreneurs with the understanding and tools to make informed decisions around business ownership. 'LEO Business Supports & Grants' on Wednesday and 'Stepping Stones to Self-Employment and Beyond' won Thursday ill both explore the supports – financial and otherwise – available to start-ups and small/micro enterprises based in Cork city.

Irish Examiner columnist Colm O’Regan offers a wry take on greening your business with an event entitled Climate Worrier at the Vienna Woods on Wednesday morning. MD of NavMar Leadership and fromer naval captain Marie Gleenson will give leadership insights at an event in St Peters in North Main St, held in collaboration with Network Cork and LEO South Cork.

Other contributors nationally include Eddie Wilson of Ryanair, Niall Horgan of Gym+Coffee, Bobby Kerr, and Kellie Harrington and Derval O’Rourke.

Enterprise minister Peter Burke said: “Small businesses are the backbone of Ireland’s economy, and this research confirms the level of ambition that exists right across the country. People have seen the incredible and innovative businesses that have started and grown internationally from Ireland, and that has clearly given them the ambition to start themselves.

“Our goal is to ensure that the right supports are in place to help people turn their ambitions into reality."