Creative Business Growth Programme 2027
New Year, New Start: Turning Creativity into Commercial Success.
You have built your creative practice, developed your products or services, and begun establishing a customer base. Now it is time to take the next step.The Creative Business Growth Programme is a unique business development initiative designed exclusively for creative entrepreneurs in County Carlow who are ready to strengthen their business, increase sales, and build a sustainable future. Combining international market exposure, expert-led workshops, practical business planning and one-to-one mentoring, this programme will help participants move from working in their business to strategically growing their business.
Whether you operate in craft, design, art, food, fashion, digital content or another creative sector, the programme provides the tools, inspiration and support needed to create meaningful business growth in 2027 and beyond.
Places are strictly limited to 8 participants.
Eligibility: Applicants must be based in County Carlow.
What's Included?
- Visit to Top Drawer London, one of the UK's leading trade events for design-led retail products
- Attendance at a major Google business conference featuring international speakers and industry experts
- Half-day workshop: Designing Your Business Support Package – Building the Board You Can't Afford
- Full-day business growth workshop delivered by The Entrepreneurs Academy
- One-to-one mentoring support from a panel of experienced business advisors
- International market exposure, networking opportunities and practical business development support
Price:
- Early Bird Rate: €200 per person for applications received before 1st December 2026
- Standard Rate: €400 per person for applications received after 1 December 2026
- Closing Date for Applications: 8th December 2026
Programme Timeline
11-12 January 2027
Top Drawer London
Participants will travel to London to attend Top Drawer, one of Europe's leading retail and design trade events.
This immersive experience will allow participants to:
- Identify emerging consumer and retail trends
- Explore new product and market opportunities
- Observe best practice in merchandising, branding and product presentation
- Learn how successful creative businesses position and market their products
- Gain inspiration and insights from leading international brands
11 February 2027
International Creative Sustainably Conference
Participants will travel by coach to attend a Conference featuring international speakers, digital innovators and growth-focused entrepreneurs.
Topics will include:
- Digital marketing trends
- Artificial intelligence and business productivity
- E-commerce growth opportunities
- Customer acquisition strategies
- Future market trends and innovation
This event will provide participants with direct exposure to some of the latest thinking in business growth, technology and digital transformation.
24 February 2027
Designing Your Business Support Package
Building the Board, You Can't Afford
Facilitated by Kieran Comerford, this practical half-day session will help participants identify the expertise, networks and supports needed to accelerate business growth.
Participants will explore:
- Building a personal advisory network
- Accessing expertise without increasing overheads
- Identifying gaps in skills and knowledge
- How to package government supports for your business.
- Leveraging mentors, consultants and peer networks
- Creating a practical support structure for future growth
22nd March 2027
Entrepreneurs Academy Business Growth Day
This intensive full-day workshop will focus on helping participants develop a clear roadmap for growth.
Topics will include:
- Business strategy and planning
- Sales and marketing development
- Commercial decision-making
- Scaling sustainably
- Building confidence as a business owner
- Creating a practical action plan for growth
Delivered by experienced trainers from The Entrepreneurs Academy, the session will combine strategic learning with practical implementation.
Mentoring Support
Each participant will receive tailored one-to-one mentoring support from an experienced panel of business advisors.
Mentoring will focus on:
- Business challenges and opportunities
- Sales and marketing development
- Strategic growth planning
- Accountability and implementation
- Accessing supports and funding opportunities
The objective is to ensure participants can apply their learning directly to their own business and leave the programme with a clear growth plan.
Why Participate?
New Year, New Start
Start 2027 with a structured programme designed to challenge your thinking, broaden your horizons and accelerate business growth.
Learn from International Best Practice
Gain valuable insights from leading trade events, global brands and world-class business speakers.
Practical, Not Theoretical
Every element of the programme is designed to provide actionable learning that can be immediately applied within your business.
Build Your Network
Connect with fellow creative entrepreneurs, industry experts, mentors and support organisations.
Personalised Support
Benefit from a combination of group learning, peer-to-peer engagement and tailored mentoring support.
Growth Focused
The programme is specifically designed for creative business owners who are serious about building stronger, more sustainable businesses.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for creative business owners in County Carlow who:
- Have already started trading
- Are selling products or services commercially
- Want to increase sales and profitability
- Are looking for new markets and opportunities
- Are ready to invest in business growth
- Want access to expert guidance, mentoring and peer support
Applications are now open. Places are limited to eight participants. Valid passports will be required for participants attending Top Drawer London.
