Fingal Jobs Boost as Local Enterprise Week is Announced

Local Enterprise Week 2026

The annual results of Fingal’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO Fingal) for 2025 were announced during the launch of this year’s “Local Enterprise Week”, showing that companies supported by LEO Fingal created 271 new jobs in 2025. Taking into account businesses that transitioned to Enterprise Ireland as well as companies that amalgamated or ceased trading, the net job creation figure is 135 among the LEO core portfolio (businesses in receipt of Priming and Expansion grants).

At the launch of Local Enterprise Week 2026, LEO Fingal announced a series of business events, set to take place from Monday, 2nd March to Friday, 6th March. This week-long celebration will offer a wide range of business activities designed to support and inspire local entrepreneurs. 

Throughout the week, several key events will provide local businesses with valuable insights and networking opportunities. On Monday, 2nd March, the week kicks off with the Fingal Start-Up Bootcamp offering aspiring entrepreneurs practical training and expert advice, led by Noel Davidson of Entrepreneurs Academy. Later that afternoon, an online webinar on Essential Financial Insights will appeal to many business owner/managers seeking to better understand how to manage and control their business’s finances. 

On Tuesday, 3rd March, businesses will gain the tools and knowledge needed to expand into international markets at an online Tariffs and Exporting session. Meanwhile, the Local Enterprise Office has partnered with Google on an A.I. Works for Ireland forum. Future Proofing Your Business also features on Tuesday, where participants will learn how they can make their business more efficient and sustainable. While Tuesday evening concludes with the Fingal Enterprise Awards ceremony, where each of this year’s five finalists will be introduced to pitch their businesses, with the overall winner of the competition announced.

Wednesday, 4th March kicks off with an online Digitalisation webinar at which participants will learn all about how they can use new technologies in their business. Later that evening Fingal Chamber plays host with Irish boxing champion Kellie Harrington who will inspire all at a not-to-be-missed key event titled The Drive for Success taking place in Joe Duffy Land Rover, Airside.

On Thursday, 5th March, the LEO in partnership with Balbriggan Chamber will present an exciting event and networking lunch titled AI Without the Hype: A Straightforward Guide for Businesses, while Fingal businesses will compete with other Dublin based start-ups at TU Dublin in a business pitching competition called Pitch Perfect.

Friday 6th March kicks off with a Business Supports Briefing for entrepreneurs seeking information on state supports for their business or start-up. Then renowned broadcaster Claire McKenna is sure to draw huge interest when she appears as special guest at the Fingal Enterprising Women Networking Lunch. Local Enterprise Week concludes on Friday afternoon with an online webinar Protect Your Ideas: A Practical Guide to IP for Small Businesses featuring experts from the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of Local Enterprise Week and reflecting on the jobs boost and the programme for Local Enterprise Week, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary, said:

“It is very encouraging to see strong job creation and ongoing enterprise development across Fingal. These new roles represent real opportunities across our communities and highlight the innovation and drive of local businesses.

Local Enterprise Week continues to be a standout initiative in our annual calendar, and this year’s programme offers an excellent mix of events for early-stage entrepreneurs and established business owners. I encourage anyone with a business idea - or those looking to take the next step - to get involved and contact the Fingal Local Enterprise Office.”

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, added:
“This continued growth in jobs across Fingal reflects the ambition, resilience and adaptability of our local business community. The positive results announced today demonstrate the real impact of sustained supports, innovation and collaboration at local level.

As we launch Local Enterprise Week 2026, entrepreneurs and business owners will once again have access to an exceptional programme designed to build capability, strengthen networks and accelerate growth. Fingal County Council remains committed to supporting a thriving and dynamic enterprise environment in the county.”

Oisín Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Fingal, said:
“The results announced today underline the vital role that small businesses play in driving economic development across the region. In order to continue to grow local jobs and create wealth, it is imperative that we provide the right supports to small businesses and start-ups. That is why initiatives like Local Enterprise Week are delivered. This year’s programme blends expert led workshops, peer networking and one to one advice clinics, ensuring real value for businesses at every stage.”

For more information and to register for events, visit:  https://www.localenterprise.ie/fingal/enterprise-development/local-enterprise-week/local-enterprise-week-2nd-6th-march-2026.html

Local Enterprise Week 2026