Wicklow business Equibuff had the opportunity to showcase their business to almost a quarter of a million people at this year’s National Ploughing Championships. They were a part of the Local Enterprise Offices’ Local Enterprise Village which was open across the three days of the event.
Equibuff, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Wicklow, are a Wicklow-based equestrian brand creating practical, innovative products designed to make horse care simpler and more convenient. From its versatile Grooming Sponge to the portable SaddleDock, Equibuff develops solutions that address everyday challenges faced by riders and horse owners.
Speaking after the event, Niamh Jennings founder of Equibuff, said "Participating in the Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championships was an incredible experience for Equibuff. Over the three days we had the opportunity to showcase our products to thousands of visitors, meet potential customers from across Ireland and make valuable industry contacts. The response to both our SaddleDock and Grooming Sponge exceeded our expectations, and the event has generated new opportunities that will support our future growth. We are very grateful for the support of Local Enterprise Office Wicklow in helping us take part in such an important national event."
The Local Enterprise Village was home to 30 Local Enterprise Office supported small businesses from across the country highlighting very best of Irish enterprise from clothing craft and artisanal food to bovine genetics and woodwork machinery to the 243,000 who attended.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Dr. Caroline Winstanley, said "The National Ploughing Championships provided Equibuff with an excellent opportunity to showcase its innovative products to a national audience of over 240,000 visitors. The strong interest generated by the business demonstrates the quality and ambition of Wicklow's entrepreneurial community. We are delighted to see Equibuff represent the county so successfully and wish Niamh Jennings and her team every continued success."
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, said "The National Ploughing Championships continues to provide an exceptional platform for ambitious Irish businesses to showcase their products, build valuable connections and explore new opportunities. Equibuff's successful participation in the Local Enterprise Village highlights the innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that exists within County Wicklow. The positive response received by the company over the three-day event demonstrates the potential for Wicklow businesses to compete and succeed on a national stage. We congratulate Niamh Jennings and the Equibuff team and look forward to supporting their continued growth and success in the years ahead."
This year the Local Enterprise Village included a Business Advice Hub for any budding entrepreneurs or existing businesses who were able to get advice from the Local Enterprise Offices Specialist Business Advisors. So, for anyone who had a business idea that wanted to figure out how to get it off the ground or for someone with an existing business who wanted advice on funding, sustainability or building digital and AI into their business there were advisors on hand meeting businesses across the three days.
The Local Enterprise Village again hosted the Google AI team this year following on from the success of the Google area in 2025 with their experts’ helping visitors and business owners across the week with their expertise on making AI work for you and your business.
The Enterprise Europe Network were also in the Village for the first time, giving advice to businesses who wanted to begin looking at new markets across the EU and building relationships with international businesses.
The Local Enterprise Village will return to the National Ploughing Championships in 2027 when they move to Rathangan in Kildare from the 21-23 of September, moving a week later to accommodate the Ryder Cup. Any small businesses interested in taking part in next year's Local Enterprise Village should contact their Local Enterprise Office.
The Local Enterprise Village is just one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.
Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception twelve years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 80,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie
For further information, please visit www.LocalEnterprise.ie or contact Local Enterprise Office Wicklow at enterprise@leo.wicklowcoco.ie