Winners of the Local Enterprise Office ‘START’ competition for start-up businesses announced

Councillor Seán ÓhArgáin, Claire McInerney Brown, Stephen Dywer, Natalie Grant, Mark Quinn, Antonio Caamano, Niamh Butler, Cathaoirleach Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Lucy Condon, Róisín Maher, Odhran O’Shea, Aileen McGrath and Aisling Carey

The final of the “START” competition, was held at County Hall, John Street, Co Kilkenny on Friday 12th June. This successful initiative was organised by Kilkenny County Council, Local Enterprise Office.

The initiative has launched back in April and the competition attracted entrepreneurs from right across the county with an array of innovative business ideas. The full programme involved a series of business workshops through a 6-week accelerator called Vision to Action. Finalists were invited to pitch for a chance to win an investment fund worth €5,000

Following a series of individual pitches on Friday last 12th June to the judging panel which comprised of Aileen McGrath, Local Enterprise Office, Rosemary Ward Deputy CEO and Business Consultant – Propelor BIC and Eugene Crehan Director of Programmes and New Frontiers – SETU, the winners were announced. In first place, Niamh Butler was announced the overall winner. Her business is called YooHoo Skincare. Niamh has developed a hormone-free skincare brand created specifically for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. In joint second place Odhran O’Shea from Second self which is premium nutrition brand producing an all-in-one wellness pouch placing multiple products with just one scoop. Also, in joint second place was Stephen Dwyer from Cloud mount. Cloud mount is an AI and regulatory compliance platform.

Aileen McGrath, Cathaoirleach Mary Hilda Cavanagh and Niamh Butler Winner of the Local Enterprise Office Start competition 2026

Feedback from the judge’s room expressed how difficult it was to award the winner and runner up as the standard was so high.

Along with the big winners on the day the finalists included, Antonio Caamaño - Green Bean lab – A creative arts development agency, Joseph Roche - Eriu Cookware – A premium cast iron cookware brand, Lucy Condon – Venue Golf – Ireland first female only golf event company, Mark Quinn – 360 Street Touch – First touch football rebounder, Natalie Grant – Glowdale Official – Children’s well-being and sleep brand , Róisín Maher – Nervous System repair with Roisin – Innovative wellness business,

At the Awards ceremony of the “START” competition, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Kilkenny County Council said, “This aim of this initiative is to encourage and support people starting out on their entrepreneurial journey”. She added “We hope the participants have enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot through participation”.

Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny said “We hope that by taking part, the Local Enterprise office will continue to supported our finalists in progressing to the next level. Whilst the investment fund is a very important element of the competition and will assist the winners to develop their initiatives further; other business supports are also at the heart of this competition

Councillor Seán ÓhArgáin, Claire McInerney Brown, Niamh Butler, Cathaoirleach Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Odhran O’Shea, Stephen Dwyer and Aileen McGrath

For more information about supports from the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, visit www.localenterprise.ie/kilkenny