Built on Belief: Local Enterprise Week 2026 brochure launched

The brochure for Local Enterprise Week 2026 was officially launched by Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning, marking the countdown to a week-long programme of events taking place across the county from Monday, March 2, to Friday, March 6.

Organised by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Donegal in partnership with Donegal County Council and a wide range of stakeholders, this year’s programme is centred on the theme “Built on Belief”, recognising that every successful business begins with belief in an idea, belief in potential and belief in the possibility of progress.

A key highlight of this year’s programme is the “Made in Donegal Business Summit and Showcase”, which will take place on Friday, 6th March. Hosted by award-winning RTÉ commentator Seán Perry, this free-to-attend Business Summit will bring together leading figures from sport and business including Patrick McBrearty, Jason Quigley, Caitríona Jennings, Peter Mulrine, Andrea Shaw, Rosy Temple and Sean Flood. Through engaging panel discussions and shared insights, the event will explore performance, resilience and the strategies shaping today’s business landscape, while offering valuable learning and networking opportunities for attendees. 

READ NEXT: Request to Department of Education to visit St Eunan’s is ‘under consideration’

Following the Summit, the “Made in Donegal Showcase” will open to the public from 11am to 4pm, with no booking required. Hosted by renowned hotelier Noel Cunningham and broadcast live by Highland Radio, the Showcase will celebrate the very best of Donegal’s artisan food and craft producers. Businesses from across the county will display their products and services, giving visitors the opportunity to sample, explore and support local. The event aims to foster new connections, inspire excellence and reinforce Donegal’s growing reputation as a hub of creativity, quality and innovation.

Launching the brochure, Cllr. Paul Canning highlighted the importance of the Local Enterprise Office as a long-term partner for business. He said: “Local Enterprise Week is a reminder to believe; in your ideas, your business and your ability to succeed. The Local Enterprise Office is a partner to businesses at every stage of their journey, not just during this week but throughout the year, and I encourage every business owner to take full advantage of the services and opportunities available.”

Local Enterprise Week is a key moment in the calendar for Donegal’s business community, shining a spotlight on the ambition, resilience and creativity that define enterprise across the county. The 2026 programme reflects strong collaboration between LEO Donegal, Donegal County Council and partner organisations, delivering a series of expert-led events, practical workshops and meaningful networking opportunities designed to respond directly to the needs of local enterprises.

Head of Enterprise with LEO Donegal, Brenda Hegarty, acknowledged the collective effort behind the programme and encouraged businesses to engage fully: “The programme outlined in this brochure is built on the commitment, collaboration and continued belief of our partners and stakeholders. I want to sincerely thank everyone involved in delivering events and supporting businesses throughout the week. Local Enterprise Week is about reinforcing belief, strengthening connections and reminding businesses that a strong support network exists here in Donegal. I encourage everyone to explore the brochure and make the most of the opportunities the week presents.”

Local Enterprise Week will open on Monday, 2nd March with a flagship event, ‘Communicating with Leadership and Impact’, featuring leading communications expert Terry Prone at the Radisson Hotel, Letterkenny. Compered by broadcaster Richard Curran, the event will focus on the art of communication in business and leadership, setting the tone for a week that celebrates belief, enterprise, resilience and ambition.

Across the five days, the programme will explore topics including leadership, communications, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability and productivity, alongside sector-specific events supporting technology, tourism and women in business. Highlights include “Donegal Tech: From Local Belief to Global Scale” at ATU Donegal, “Tourism Connect 2026” at Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey, and a special International Women’s Day event, “Built on Belief”, hosted by the Donegal Women in Business Network.

For more information, and to book your spot, see www.localenterprise.ie/donegal.