The 'Local Enterprise Village', an initiative of Ireland's various local enterprise offices, will be back at the National Ploughing Championships this year.

Ploughing 2026 is taking place at Screggan, Co. Offaly from September 15 to 17.

The Local Enterprise Village will be open on those dates, and will house all 31 of the local enterprise offices around the country.

A wide range of local start-up businesses will be there, which work in several areas and sectors, including clothing, artisan food, bovine genetics and woodwork machinery.

Each business will represent one of the local enterprise offices.

This year, the village will also have a business advice hub for "any budding entrepreneurs" or existing businesses who want to get advice from local enterprise office advisors.

There will be advisors on hand to speak with anyone who may have a business idea they want to get off the ground; or those who have an existing business and are seeking advice on funding, sustainability, digitalisation or using artificial intelligence in their business.

The village will also host the Google AI team, with experts from the tech company on hand to provide an interactive area with a focus on AI.

As well as that, the pan-EU Enterprise Europe Network will have a presence at the village for the first time, giving businesses the opportunity to explore the prospect of expanding into EU markets.

Commenting on the Local Enterprise Village at Ploughing 2026, National Ploughing Association (NPA) managing director Anna May McHugh said: "The Local Enterprise Village is such a valuable part of the Ploughing, giving small Irish businesses from across the country the opportunity to showcase what they do to the huge crowds that attend each year.

"We are delighted to welcome the 31 businesses selected this year and it’s great to see them have the opportunity to reach new customers and showcase their products and services to such a large audience," McHugh added.

Mike Cantwell, chair of the Local Enterprise Village Committee, said that the village "provides an unrivalled opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, reach new customers and grow their businesses".

"This year, visitors to the Local Enterprise Village will also have access to specialist business advisors throughout the three days. Whether you are running a business, considering a new venture, or simply exploring an idea, our experts will be available for prebooked, one-to-one consultations and practical advice," Cantwell added.