Local Enterprise Offices, Google partner at Ploughing Championships
The Local Enterprise Offices have announced they will partner with Google as part of the Local Enterprise Village at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, which takes place in Screggan, Tullamore, County Offaly from the 16-18 September.
This will be the first time that Google has had a presence at the Ploughing Championships and their partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices, as part of the Local Enterprise Village, aims to help upskill SMEs in digital tools and AI.
The Local Enterprise Village will accommodate 30 Local Enterprise Offices supported small businesses from across the country. They will be working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices over the coming weeks on merchandising, sales, marketing and social media to ensure they maxmise the opportunity to exhibit at one of the largest outdoor events in Europe.
The dedicated Google area will host a series of AI trainings and demonstrations at the Local Enterprise Village. These trainings will focus on helping businesses learn how to incorporate AI to make their businesses more efficient with Google experts there through the week.
The Local Enterprise Village will showcase the very best of Irish entrepreneurship and will house businesses across all sectors from natural skincare and organic soy candles to sustainable fashion and eco-friendly 3D-printed sensory toys.
Kieran Comerford, Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices, said: “This partnership with Google as part of the Local Enterprise Village will significantly enhance the offering of the Local Enterprise Offices as part of this year’s National Ploughing Championships. Not only is it an opportunity for the 30 businesses to be able to access the expertise of Google in digitising their business but it is open to any small business owner or budding entrepreneur who is visiting the Ploughing across the three days. It will give them a chance to see what these digital tools can unlock in their business and enable them to become more competitive and productive.
“As always, the Local Enterprise Village has something for everyone who drops in, and showcases the very best of Irish small business from across the country. We’ve been working hard with the businesses to help them maximise their offering and we’re looking forward to opening the doors in Screggan in September.”
Cera Ward, managing director, Google Ireland, said: “Small businesses are at the heart of our economy, driving innovation, growth and creating jobs in communities across Ireland. This is especially true in rural areas, where these businesses are vital to local prosperity. At Google, we’ve always believed in the power of digital to help businesses thrive, and we’re proud to partner with the LEOs as part of the Local Enterprise Village initiative.
“From AI to smarter search tools, digital technology is transforming how small businesses grow, connect with customers, and compete on a global stage. We know that time is a business owner’s most valuable asset, and we’re excited to show how the right AI strategy can boost productivity and give them more time back. We look forward to meeting with business owners in Screggan and demonstrating how AI and digital can turn ambition into real growth.”
She continued: “This year, our focus is on how digital and AI tools are revolutionising business growth. We’ll be on-site to demonstrate how smarter search tools and powerful AI can help businesses reach new customers, streamline operations, and compete effectively on a global scale. We know that time is a business owner’s most valuable asset, and we’re excited to show how the right digital strategy can boost productivity and give them more time back. We look forward to meeting with business owners and demonstrating how to turn ambition into real growth.”
Anna May McHugh, managing director of the National Ploughing Association, said: “The Local Enterprise Village is such a valuable part of the Ploughing, and we are privileged to be part of the journey these small Irish Businesses are on in developing in the marketplace.
Anything the NPA can do to showcase SMEs is massively important to us and we are really looking forward to welcoming Google this year as part of the Local Enterprise Village offering digital and AI advice, it’s an exciting opportunity to give small businesses and entrepreneurs the tools to succeed.”
The Local Enterprise Village is just one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.
Since their inception eleven years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 80,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses.
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