Almost a third (30%) of adults in Ireland say they currently have an idea for a business or product they would like to pursue, according to new research commissioned by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).

The findings were released as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke T.D., joined the Local Enterprise Offices to launch Local Enterprise Week 2026, which began yesterday, Monday 2nd March, with more than 330 events happening nationwide to support aspiring and established entrepreneurs including plenty of events in Kilkenny across the week.

Among those with a business idea, 40% say it came to them at home. Others found inspiration while talking to friends or family (15%), at work (15%), in bed (10%), during their commute (7%), while exercising (5%), or even in the shower (4%).

Younger adults appear particularly entrepreneurial, with 52% of under-35s saying they currently have a business idea, compared to just 18% of those aged 55 and over.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke T.D., said: “Small businesses are the backbone of Ireland’s economy, and this research confirms the level of ambition that exists right across the country.  People have seen the incredible and innovative businesses that have started and grown internationally from Ireland, and that has clearly given them the ambition to start themselves. 

“Our goal is to ensure that the right supports are in place to help people turn their ambitions into reality.  Local Enterprise Week demonstrates what that support looks like in action through expert advice, practical tools and tailored programmes which are available to every entrepreneur, in every region.”

Alan Dillon T.D., Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail; “Local Enterprise Week is a flagship event for the business community across the country.  An opportunity to meet, share ideas, solve problems and most of all look at ways to improve your business.  There is no better chance during the year to meet with a local community that wants to help you grow your business and can show you where solutions and opportunities lie.

“This week is an opportunity for businesses to reflect on where they are and where they want to go, and Local Enterprise Week provides a pathway to do that.  With experts across every business field and talks from inspirational entrepreneurs and businesspeople who have walked the road, it’s a brilliant week for business in Ireland.”

Niamh Smyth, T.D., Minister of State forTrade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Transformation, said;“Local Enterprise Week is always a great barometer of the challenges and opportunities that exist for businesses across the country.  Since Local Enterprise Week 2025 we have seen technology continue to evolve. AI can have a real positive impact on businesses, and we want to ensure small businesses are able to reap its rewards.

“This week is the perfect time for businesses to learn more about the supports that are available to help them digitalise. I encourage small businesses across the country to use this week to explore the resources available to them. The LEOs have been to the fore in helping to digitise small businesses and Local Enterprise Week is the best opportunity to take that first step.”

Kieran Comerford, Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices, said: “What this research makes clear is that Ireland is full of ideas but turning an idea into a viable business takes more than ambition. It takes support, knowledge and the confidence to take that first step. That’s where the Local Enterprise Offices come in. We’re here to break down the barriers that hold people back, whether that’s funding, mentorship, training or simply knowing where to start.

Local Enterprise Week is about making all of that support visible and accessible. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with global ambition or someone who’s just had an idea they want to explore, there’s something for you in this week. It’s about real, practical help that can move a business forward — or help someone take the leap for the first time.”

Anne Lanigan, Head of Local Enterprise and Regions, Enterprise Ireland, said:“Enterprise Ireland is pleased to support Local Enterprise Week, which provides a platform for entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn about the supports on offer to help grow their business. The Local Enterprise Offices are often the first point of contact for ambitious founders and business owners to get advice and learn about the supports needed to turn a concept into a thriving business.

“Local Enterprise Week offers an opportunity to focus on the practical areas that can help a business grow from embracing digitalisation and sustainability to building export potential. Whether you're an early-stage start-up or an established small business looking to take the next step, the Local Enterprise Office network and Enterprise Ireland are here to support you on that journey.”

Shane Tiernan, Chair, CCMA Economic Development Committee and Chief Executive at Roscommon County Council: “Local Enterprise Offices, which are a key service provided by local authorities, play a vital role in helping ideas come to life and supporting the small and medium‑sized businesses that sustain our communities, villages, towns and cities. The enterprises we work with are central to local economic and social life, and as the business environment continues to evolve, the LEO network remains committed to providing the practical supports and guidance entrepreneurs need to adapt, grow and thrive.”

The Local Enterprise Offices are located in the Local Authorities and are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, through Enterprise Ireland. They support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide.  Since their establishment in 2014 they have supported entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing a range of services including funding, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.

They also run key initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country including National Women’s Enterprise Day, the Student Enterprise Programme, the National Enterprise Awards, Local Enterprise Showcase and the Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championships.  For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie

Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week, from March 2nd to 6th, are available at www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Week 

***Research by Amarach Research was conducted across a nationally representative sample of 1000 18+ adults in the Republic of Ireland.

For further information:

LEO Kilkenny – info@leo.kilkennycoco.ie / 056-7752662