New national initiative, developed in partnership aims to help local makers and designers scale from creative talent to commercial success
11 June 2026 —The Local Enterprise Offices with Kilkenny Design today announced the launch of the Makers Academy, a business development programme designed to support ambitious local makers, designers and creative entrepreneurs to build sustainable and scalable businesses.
Developed in partnership with Kilkenny Design and Enterprise Ireland, the initiative will provide participants with access to industry-leading expertise, mentoring, business development support and retail insights from some of Ireland’s most experienced retail and enterprise professionals.
Makers Academy has been created to address one of the key challenges facing creative businesses: transforming exceptional products and creative talent into commercially successful brands capable of scaling nationally and internationally.
For Kilkenny Design, the programme represents a natural evolution of a commitment that stretches back more than six decades. Since 1963, Kilkenny Design has been at the heart of Ireland’s maker movement, championing the very best of local design and providing a platform for generations of local makers and designers to showcase and grow their businesses. Built on the belief that Ireland’s consumer brands deserve a platform, the company has grown into one of Ireland’s most trusted and beloved Retailers.
The Makers Academy will bring together up to 25 local makers and designers through a structured programme of workshops, mentoring and business coaching covering areas including retail readiness, pricing and profitability, ecommerce, branding, marketing, export growth, sustainability and founder development.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from senior leaders within Kilkenny Design, alongside industry experts and enterprise specialists, gaining practical insights into what it takes to succeed in today's competitive retail environment. There is no fee to participate in the programme.
Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, LEO noted the importance of investment in Ireland’s indigenous enterprise sector and the future growth of the creative economy. "Across the country, we see talented makers and designers with significant commercial potential, but often they require access to specialist expertise, mentoring and market opportunities to accelerate their growth.
Kerr added: " Makers Academy is one of several enterprise development initiatives run by the Local Enterprise Offices across the year to foster entrepreneurship and help small businesses in the consumer products & creative sectors and demonstrates the power of targeted supports in driving entrepreneurship and innovation. This programme brings together three powerful elements — enterprise support, retail expertise and practical business development — creating a unique opportunity for participants to strengthen their commercial capability and prepare for sustainable growth."
Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of Kilkenny Group, believes Ireland is home to some of the most talented makers and creative entrepreneurs in the world. “Through the Makers Academy, we want to help bridge the gap between creativity and commercial success by providing participants with access to real retail expertise, practical business support and invaluable mentoring. Our ambition is to help develop and support the next generation of successful Irish brands."
Moynihan added "Supporting Irish makers is part of who we are. Since 1963, Kilkenny Design has championed the creativity, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit of Irish designers and makers, helping bring their work to customers across Ireland and beyond. The Makers Academy is a natural evolution of that commitment to creating new opportunities for emerging businesses to grow, scale and succeed."
The programme will combine in-person and online learning with one-to-one mentoring support tailored to the specific needs of participating businesses.
Dedicated sessions with the Local Enterprise Office network and Enterprise Ireland will form part of the programme, ensuring participants gain a clear understanding of the funding, mentoring and growth support available to help them progress their businesses beyond the programme.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment between Kilkenny Design, the Local Enterprise Office network and Enterprise Ireland to support innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth across Ireland’s creative sector.
Applications for the inaugural Kilkenny Design Makers Academy open on 11 June and close on Friday 26 June 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a pitch stage before progressing to the Academy’s intensive business development bootcamp.
The programme will culminate in a final winner selection process, with successful businesses receiving the opportunity to launch within the Kilkenny Design retail network.
This initiative forms part of Kilkenny Design’s New Irish Energy campaign, which is a celebration of Irish creativity, culture, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit that exists in every corner of Ireland. As part of the campaign, Kilkenny Design is proud to lead the next generation of design and champion trending Irish brands which is reflective of the revitalized momentum behind Irish culture, language and consumer sentiment towards seeking and supporting local businesses.
The Makers Academy represents the next chapter in Kilkenny Design’s story of supporting local makers by equipping the next generation of makers with the skills, confidence and commercial capability to realise their full potential.
The Makers Academy, is targeted at makers and designers of new and emerging consumer brands with strong commercial growth potential. For further information on application criteria and to apply, contact your Local Enterprise Office or visit: www.localenterprise.ie
ENDS
For more information or interview requests please contact:
Sinead Harrington | Harrington PR | sinead@harringtonpr.com
Notes to Editors
About the Makers Academy
The Kilkenny Design Makers Academy is a collaborative initiative between Kilkenny Design, the Local Enterprise Office network and Enterprise Ireland. The programme is designed for locally based makers, designers and creative businesses seeking to develop their commercial capability, strengthen retail readiness and accelerate growth opportunities.
About Local Enterprise Offices
The Local Enterprise Offices continue to deliver real results for small businesses. For information go to Local Enterprise Office
