A start-up shot for budding entrepreneurs

An initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), the village will house 31 Local Enterprise Office-supported small businesses from across the country that showcase the very best of Irish enterprise from clothing craft and artisanal food to bovine genetics and woodwork machinery. This year the Local Enterprise Village will also have a business advice hub for any budding entrepreneurs or existing businesses who want to get advice from the LEO’s specialist business advisors. So, for anyone who has a business idea that wants to figure out how to get it off the ground or for someone with an existing business who may want advice on funding, sustainability, or building digital and AI into their business there will be advisors on hand to meet with. The village will again host the Google AI team this year following on from its success in 2025.
With close to 300,000 visitors expected across the three days of the event, the Local Enterprise Village provides these small businesses with significant exposure to new audiences and potential new customers. Enterprise Europe Network will also be based in the village for the first time, giving advice to businesses who want to begin looking at new markets across the EU. Here, we highlight just some of the agri-related businesses to look our for this year. 

JE Engineering Ltd

This is a Cavan-based business specialising in the repair and maintenance of Ford, Fiat and New Holland tractors. It has expanded into product manufacturing, with its mobility lift among its first innovations. 

Target Genetics

Target Genetics is an advanced bovine genetics and embryo-production company serving beef and dairy farmers across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Founded by veterinary surgeon, Paddy Buckley, it provides in-vitro embryo production, ovum pick-up, embryo transfer and import-export services to accelerate genetic gain, improve herd performance and maximise the value of elite cattle genetics. 

SUNiRE Ltd

SUNiRE Ltd is an Irish start-up addressing occupational skin-cancer risk in agriculture. Founded by skin-cancer survivor, Linda Chanders, it combines an Irish-made UPF50+ Face Shield with workshops and its digital safe space hub to promote sun protection, early-detection awareness and support.

RSI Ltd

Radon Services Ireland (RSI) is an award-winning Irish company providing radon testing and bespoke mitigation solutions for homes and businesses. Established in 2024, it designs and assembles practical systems that reduce radon levels, improve indoor air quality and help rural households and businesses protect health and building performance. 

A-Bars Ireland

A Monaghan manufacturer of high-quality stainless-steel vehicle accessories for vans, 4x4s and trucks. Established in 2006, the business produces towbar guards, nudge bars, side bars and custom products while also providing CNC cutting, tube bending and bespoke fabrication services. 

Lambsafe

Lambsafe is a Sligo-based

agricultural business developing practical products that make lambing safer and less physically demanding for farmers and lambs. Its first product, the Lamb Station, is a lightweight, robust support that suspends a lamb securely at waist height during essential tasks.

Equibuff

This is a Wicklow-based equestrian-products company that creates practical solutions for horse owners. Its SaddleDock provides a portable, secure place to hold a saddle at the stable, in a field, beside a car or at a show, while its multipurpose Grooming Sponge reduces the need for a large collection of brushes.