Hub-Grow: Focus on enterprise Innovation & Visionary Leadership Programme
Empowering Rural Enterprises to Disrupt, Scale, and Lead
Delivered by the Local Enterprise Office and South East Technological University
In the volatile economic landscape of 2026, traditional rural business models are facing unprecedented challenges. Rapid digital acceleration, shifting labour dynamics, and persistent inflationary pressures mean that standard management is no longer enough.
The Hub-Grow: Enterprise Innovation & Visionary Leadership Programme is a high-impact strategic intervention designed specifically for micro and small-sized enterprises. This programme empowers leaders to combat the "margin squeeze" through financial innovation, bridge the gap between AI hype and measurable ROI, and embed a culture of continuous innovation into their core business models.
Why Join Hub-Grow?
- Future-Proof Your Business: Move from reactive troubleshooting to proactive, long-term innovation.
- Access Elite Resources: Directly leverage SETU’s cutting-edge technical expertise and R&D facilities.
- Lead with Confidence: Develop the executive mindset required to scale a rural enterprise in a global economy.
- Fund Your Vision: Secure a clear, actionable roadmap to government supports for innovation and digital adoption.
The Programme Delivery Model
Our unique weekly structure is built around three core elements designed to translate theory into immediate business growth:
- Core Pillar Content: Masterclasses covering high-level innovation and leadership.
- Sales & Development Strategy: Practical workshops applying the pillar content directly to your commercial strategy.
- State Support Integration: Direct advice on unlocking Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and South East Technological University (SETU) support services.
Every participant will receive a joint diagnostic mentoring session with SETU and LEO Carlow to map out a bespoke development roadmap and funding strategy for their business.
The Four Pillars of Innovation
Pillar 1: Visionary Leadership & Disruptive Strategy
Transform from a day-to-day business owner into a visionary CEO capable of fostering agile, innovation-first teams.
- Leading with Purpose: Crafting an Innovation-First Strategy
- Agile Leadership in a Volatile Market
- Strategic Scaling & Building a Culture of Intrapreneurship
- Peer Leadership Circles & Collaborative Problem Solving
Pillar 2: Digital Transformation & Operational Excellence
Leverage emerging technologies and lean processes to maximize efficiency and market responsiveness.
- Business Model Pivot: Adapting to Disruptive Market Trends
- Integrating Sustainable Technologies into Daily Operations
- Next-Gen Process Improvement & Lean Innovation
Pillar 3: Financial Innovation & Investment Readiness
Move beyond basic bookkeeping to strategic financial engineering and securing capital for R&D.
- Financial Engineering for Innovation-Led Growth
- Securing R&D Funding, Vouchers, and Innovation Grants
- Value-Based Pricing Strategies for Innovative Products
- Sustainable Financial Modelling for Long-Term Resilience
Pillar 4: Peer Innovation Session (The "Shadow Board")
Leverage collective intelligence to solve high-friction bottlenecks and pressure-test your growth strategies.
- Mentorship Simulation: Assembling a temporary collective of peers to act as your high-level advisory board.
- Strategy Pressure-Testing: Identifying blind spots in your current business model and brand positioning.
- Radical Candor: A safe, confidential environment for high-level "stress tests" of your strategic direction.
Dates: Tuesdays – 16, 23, 30 June; 7 July 2026
Time: 8:00am-10:00am
Location: Station House, Hacketstown R93 W5C7
What to Expect Each Week:
- Innovation Keynotes: Insights from visionary industry leaders on disruptive trends.
- Design Thinking Workshops: Facilitated, interactive learning focused on solving real-world enterprise challenges.
- Innovation Funding Roadmap: Expert guidance on R&D tax credits, digital grants, and innovation vouchers.
- SETU Knowledge Transfer: Learning how to leverage university expertise to prototype and future-proof your business.
Meet Your Programme Facilitators
Terry Harmer
Founder & Principal Consultant, NxtGen / Lead Business Trainer
Terry Harmer is one of Ireland's most respected business trainers, coaches, and consultants, specialising in leadership development, sales strategy, and operational excellence. With decades of hands-on experience working alongside micro, small, and medium enterprises, Terry is renowned for his ability to break down complex management theories into highly practical, actionable business strategies. His energetic and insightful delivery helps business owners transition into visionary leaders, driving cultural change and sustainable growth within their organisations.
Kieran Comerford
Head of Economic Development & Enterprise, Carlow County Council
Kieran Comerford is the Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with Carlow County Council’s. In this role, he drives regional business growth, fosters job creation, and champions digital transformation to future-proof traditional small enterprises. An advocate for grassroots talent and sustainable growth, Kieran spearheads local initiatives to provide critical funding, training, and development platforms for emerging businesses. He specializes in building ecosystem partnerships, bridging the gap between micro-enterprises and state supports by collaborating with Enterprise Ireland, European consortiums, and academic networks like South East Technological University (SETU).
