Find Your Business Voice at Carlow Business Day.
Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office is delighted to invite business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to participate in the 3rd annual Carlow Business Day, taking place on Wednesday, 8th October. This flagship annual event celebrates the innovation, resilience, and growth of Carlow’s vibrant business community, offering a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and showcase local success stories.
Cllr. Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council also expressed strong support for Carlow Business Day. “Carlow Business Day is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the strength and diversity of our local enterprise community. It reflects the pride we have in our businesses and the people behind them, and it reinforces our commitment to supporting growth, innovation, and collaboration across the county. I encourage everyone to take part and celebrate what makes Carlow a great place to do business.”
Carlow Business Day 2025 is organised by a partnership of the Local Enterprise Office, Carlow Tourism, Network Ireland (Carlow), Carlow Libraries, Carlow County Development Partnership, County Carlow Chamber, KCETB (Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board), Carlow College, Bagenalstown Chamber of Commerce Group, Carlow & Kilkenny Skillsnet and SETU.
The flagship event of Carlow Business Day will be a networking business breakfast held in Carlow College with a keynote address on “Finding Your Business Voice” delivered by Alan Shortt. Alan Shortt is an Executive Communication Coach, Media Skills Advisor, and Motivational Speaker with over 30 years of experience in radio, television, and live performance. He is the founder of Media Skills Ireland and has worked with high-profile clients such as Sir Richard Branson and Tony Robbins. Alan has also shared the stage with leaders like Joe Schmidt and Jack Canfield, delivering insights on the science of communication and leadership presence. His approach empowers business leaders to step into their authentic voice and lead with purpose.
Later that morning, as part of the Carlow Business Day programme, Alan will also deliver a special presentation at a local boys’ secondary school. In this inspiring session, Alan will speak directly to students about the importance of developing resilience, an essential skill not only for succeeding in business, but also in life and study. Drawing from his own experiences and insights, he will explore how young people can build mental strength, adapt to challenges, and stay motivated in the face of setbacks. This outreach element of Carlow Business Day reflects a broader commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders within our community.
Carlow Business Day will also see a special KCLR outside broadcast from the Arboretum. This broadcast will shine a spotlight on Carlow’s thriving tourism sector, highlighting the places and experiences that make the county a standout destination for visitors. Throughout the morning, listeners will hear from local tourism operators and hospitality leaders who are driving excellence in the Carlow tourism sector.
Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise at Carlow County Council, encouraged local businesses to get involved saying “Carlow Business Day is a celebration of the incredible talent and resilience within our local business community. We strongly encourage business owners from across the county to take part and connect with peers. It’s a day to be inspired and to inspire others.”
Séamus Doran, Assistant Head of Economic Development & Enterprise, highlighted the purpose of the event: “Carlow Business Day is about recognising the spirit of enterprise that drives our county forward. It’s a platform to celebrate local success and share ideas. Carlow Business Day offers valuable opportunities to build meaningful connections, learn and contribute to the future of business in Carlow.”
Places at the Carlow Business Day ‘Business Networking Breakfast’ with Alan Shortt are free and open to all business owners in Carlow. To book your free place log onto www.localenterprise.ie/carlow
