Local Enterprise Week Louth 2026

LEW 2026 Launch photo

Local Enterprise Week Louth 2026 is back! 

From Monday 2nd to Friday 6th March 2026, we invite businesses from across Louth to take part in a dynamic week of events designed to inform, inspire and support business growth.

Our team, in partnership with business organisations across the county, have worked hard to plan this year’s programme of events. It offers something for everyone, from early-stage start-ups to established businesses ready to scale.

It features expert speakers, practical workshops, and valuable networking opportunities. 

Local Enterprise Week is your opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, focus on your business, gain fresh perspectives, build new connections and discover the supports available to help you grow and succeed.

Places are limited and always in high demand, so don’t delay, book now!.

We look forward to welcoming you to Local Enterprise Week Louth 2026!

Full brochure of the week and events is available here

Local Enterprise Week Louth Events 2026

Date and Time
Event
Venue
Booking Details

Monday, 2 March 2026

9am to 1pm 

Local Enterprise Week Launch Event - Business Boost - Practical digital tools to move your business forward

Our opening event “Business Boost” is a focused, practical workshop designed for local business owners who are open to positive change & adopting new digital business approaches to enhance their business operations.

Through guided discussion and practical exercises, you will step back from the day to day, identify priority areas your business could implement new or enhanced digital solutions and leave with a clear & achievable next step.

A facilitated fireside chat with local SMEs and an inspiring keynote address by Mark Kelly of AI Ireland will share real examples of what works, what doesn’t, and how practical digital changes can make businesses stronger, more efficient, and ready to grow.

You will also learn about relevant Local Enterprise Office supports available to help you 

Bellingham Castle

Book for Free

Tuesday, 3 March 2026

8am to 1.30pm 

Cross Border Trade and Economic Conference

This hard hitting conference will focus on the theme ‘Building a Sustainable All-Island Economy’. It will include Government representatives, keynote speakers, policy officials and business advisors who will set out the shape of future cross-border cooperation and their priorities for the region.

Carrickdale Hotel, Ravensdale, Dundalk, A91 PR63Book for Free

9am to 3.30pm

Local Enterprise Week National Development Summit

This event is designed to empower Irish SMEs to define and execute a strategy for sustained growth using the best of AI. Through a blend of strategic insights from fellow SMEs and practical workshops, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how to drive meaningful growth and achieve tangible business outcomes, leveraging the efficiencies of AI.

The Foundry, Google Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4Register here

Wednesday, 4 March 2026

10.00am 

to 12am

Make Your Idea Happen: Your First Step into Business

Do you have an idea that you’ve been quietly wondering… “Could this actually be a business?” If so, our Make your Idea Happen: Your First Step into Business online workshop is the perfect place to begin. This free 2‑hour online interactive workshop is designed specifically for individuals who are curious about self‑employment and want to explore whether their idea has real potential. 

Online Book for Free
5.45pm to 7.30pm

Food Business Beginnings - Real Producer Journeys

Join Darragh McCullough for a fireside chat with real food producers who have been through the journey of starting and running a food business. This event is for anyone with an idea for a food business, as well as those already in business and navigating the early stages. The session brings together food producers including: 
  • Gerry Scullion, King of Kefir
  • Helen McManus, Coole Farm
  • Eimear Reynolds, Bakealicious
Food Hub at NEST Ardee, Ardee Business Park, Ardee A92 C7RWBook for Free

Thursday, 5 March 2026

7.30am to 9.15am 

Secrets to Success 

Get your day off to a great start with breakfast & networking at this fast-paced Local Enterprise Week event. Then sit back and learn from three local entrepreneurs as part of the ‘Secrets to Success’ series. The event is a fantastic opportunity to learn from fellow members of the local business world who will share valuable lessons from their own experiences – good and bad! The panel of speakers are: 

  • Lindsey Kenny, Pet Bliss Drogheda
  • Ronan Whitty, The Mill Enterprise Hub
  • Richard Young, Managing Director, Forte Healthcare Ltd
Scholar’s Townhouse Hotel, King Street, Drogheda, A92 ED71Register for Free
10am to 3pm

Business Advice Clinics - 30 minutes one to one

Book a place at one of our Business Advice Clinics during Local Enterprise Week 2026. These in-person appointments, taking place at Drogheda Digital Hub with one of our expert advisors, can help businesses understand the financing options open to them and are suitable for established businesses looking to scale as well as start-up businesses

Drogheda Digital Hub, West Street, Drogheda, A92 A389Book for Free
10am to 1pm

Financial Advice Clinics - 30 minutes one to one

Book a place at one of our Finance Advice Clinics during Local Enterprise Week 2026. These in-person appointments, taking place at Drogheda Digital Hub with one of our expert advisors, can help businesses understand the financing options open to them and are suitable for established businesses looking to scale as well as start-up businesses

Drogheda Digital Hub, West Street, Drogheda, A92 A389Book for Free
6.30pm to 9pm

Network Louth: From Start Up to Scale Up

This International Women’s Day, Local Enterprise Office Louth in collaboration with Network Ireland Louth, invites you to a powerful evening celebrating women in business at every stage of their journey. Whether you are just starting out, growing your venture, or planning your next expansion, this event will leave you informed, inspired and connected with a community of women committed to success.

The Gateway Hotel, Inner Relief Rd, Dundalk, A91 EF88Book for Free

Friday, 6 March 2026

12pm to 3pm 

Louth Enterprise Awards 2026: Making It Happen

Join us for a celebration of entrepreneurship in Louth as we recognise the achievements and success of some of the finest upcoming businesses and SME's in the region. Gerry Kelly will MC the day as participants enjoy lunch and acknowledge our businesses. 

The Marcy Hotel, West Street, Drogheda, A92 A8XF

Book for Free