Large programme of Waterford events planned for Local Enterprise Week

Waterford Local Enterprise Office has announced a large programme of events across five days for this year's Local Enterprise Week, which will take place across the county from March 2 to 6.

The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) has gathered experts in finance, marketing, social media, business growth and pitches and there will also be networking events, workshops and advice clinics throughout the week.

LEO Waterford has teamed up with the Walton Institute again this year for a Digital Innovation Clinic specifically aimed at trading limited companies. 

Walton Institute is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for ICT research and innovation based in South East Technological University (SETU).

The Digital Innovation Clinic will offer a hands-on experience where participants will get to explore and develop innovative digital solutions. 

A spokesperson for Waterford City & County Council said the clinic will provide tools, resources, and expert guidance to help individuals and organisations transform their ideas into actionable projects.

This year’s Local Enterprise Week will feature many new events including informative and engaging workshops, seminars, presentations and advice clinics aimed at local businesses, whether in pre-start, start-up or as an established business looking to grow.

One of the new partnerships is with Buíon Phort Láirge and it's a collaboration that will deliver a practical workshop designed to help people refine their sales approach and strengthen their business pitch. 

"The session will focus on real-world techniques to help them communicate their value more clearly, connect more effectively with potential customers, and turn conversations into opportunities," said the spokesperson.

Many of this year's events are also back because of popular demand including the Social Media Mash Up which will take place on Thursday, March 5, in Waterford Treasures. 

This will be the seventh year of the 'Mash Up' which will bring together businesses that want to stay ahead in the ever changing digital and social media space.

The Lunchtime Bites series will head to three county enterprise centres throughout the week.

"These sessions are a great opportunity to visit your local Enterprise Centre, learn about the facilities and supports available, and see how the centre could support your business now or in the future," said the spokesperson.

"Lunch is provided, so bring your appetite and an open mind as our guest speaker Ronan Cleary, of Eagle Media, will be discussing AEO (AI Engine Optimisation), how businesses can optimise their content and online presence to appear in AI-driven search results and tools," she added.

The Local Enterprise Office will also celebrate International Women’s Day - with Waterford Chamber, Dungarvan Chamber and Network Waterford supporting events across the week.

To find out more about Local Enterprise Week, or to get information on what's available from the local Enterprise Office, an LEO Supports & Services Explained webinar will take place on Tuesday, March 3.

"This session will outline the range of supports available through LEO Waterford and how they can help your business save time, money and energy in 2026," said the spokesperson.

People will be able to learn to unlock the Energy Efficiency Grant of €10,000 and access a €5,000 Grow Digital Voucher.

Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford Gareth Evans is looking forward to what promises to be a busy and productive week: “This year’s Local Enterprise Week programme has something for everyone, whatever phase your business is in, or whatever sector your business is in. The range of events and the calibre of speakers and facilitators are such that the topical business issues affecting us today and, in the future, will be addressed with practical insight into achieving your business goals."

“Waterford Local Enterprise Office is delighted to work in conjunction with various key business support organisations and state agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, Network Waterford, Buíon Phort Láirge, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber and Waterford Chamber, to provide a programme that gives entrepreneurs and businesses opportunities to help them on the path to growth," said Mr Evans.

To register for the events taking place across the city and county throughout the week go online to https://bit.ly/LEW2026 

Most events will be free of charge while some will have a nominal booking fee. Many of the events are also expected to book up quickly so early booking is strongly advised.