Cork Businesses Set for Major Boost as Local Enterprise Week Returns in March

Cork’s small-business community is set for a busy and potentially transformative week as Local Enterprise Week 2026 takes place from 2 to 6 March, with a packed programme designed to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and established SMEs across the county.

Organised by Cork County Council through its Local Enterprise Offices, the five-day initiative will focus on driving business growth, innovation and sustainable job creation, with a mix of in-person and online events.

The week follows a strong year for LEO-supported companies in Cork. Businesses in Cork North & West and South Cork added more than 400 jobs during 2025, bringing total employment supported by the LEOs in the county to over 2,300 people. Cork County’s Local Enterprise Offices also ranked seventh nationally for jobs growth, highlighting the continued momentum in the local SME sector.

Local Enterprise Week will showcase how these supports translate into real-world results, giving business owners opportunities to learn from experts, hear from peers and access practical advice they can apply immediately.

One of the flagship events will be Innovate to Elevate, a full-day conference taking place at Inchydoney Hotel on Thursday, 5 March. Hosted by entrepreneur Bobby Kerr, the event will feature innovation specialist Brian Cahill and sustainability advisor Annie Duffy. Business leaders from Spice O’Life and West Cork Distillers will also share practical insights on innovation and competitiveness.

A major South Cork event, Understand How AI Can Transform Your Business, will take place on Wednesday, 4 March at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island. Led by AI strategist Marie Toft, the session will explore accessible artificial intelligence tools that can help small businesses save time, reduce costs and improve productivity.

Retail, hospitality and service businesses will also be a key focus during the week. On Tuesday, 3 March, a dedicated retail event will be held at the Charleville Park Hotel, featuring leading Irish business figures including Charlene Flanagan, Evelyn Moynihan and Stuart Nelson. The session will examine retail challenges, future trends and digitalisation, offering valuable guidance for businesses planning growth in 2026.

Across the five days, participants can also attend workshops and masterclasses covering digital transformation, financial planning, retail growth and exporting. Networking sessions and business clinics will provide direct access to expert advice on scaling, innovation and funding.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Mary Linehan Foley, said the week plays a vital role for businesses at every stage.

Mary Linehan Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork:

“Local Enterprise Week is where ideas turn into action for Cork businesses. It brings entrepreneurs, start-ups and established companies into the same room to learn from experts, share experiences and pick up practical tools that they can immediately apply. Whether you are just beginning your journey or planning your next stage of growth, this week can genuinely make a difference.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, highlighted the impact of Local Enterprise Office supports across the county.

Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Cork County Council:

“The strong performance of Cork’s Local Enterprise Offices in 2025 demonstrates the real impact of Local Enterprise supports in communities right across the county. Local Enterprise Week provides direct access to funding advice, mentoring and expert guidance, and we are once again expecting strong engagement across the five days with businesses leaving better equipped, more confident and ready to take their next step.”

Many events during Local Enterprise Week 2026 are free to attend, though early booking is recommended due to expected demand. Full details and registration information are available at www.localenterprise.ie.