Local Enterprise Week Flagship Event 'Mastering Entrepreneurship' A Resounding Success
Over 200 Participants Attended 8 Events During Local Enterprise Week 2026
Over 130 enthusiastic attendees gathered for the much-anticipated "Mastering Entrepreneurship" event hosted Wicklow County Council in the Parkview Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy, last week.
This exclusive event, part of Local Enterprise Week, marked the Final Management Development series with Blaise Brosnan, and was designed to ignite entrepreneurial passion and ambition amongst alumni members of the Management Development programme. The evening was a unique opportunity for participants to learn from keynote speaker Blaise Brosnan, an outstanding and celebrated business coach, and connect with like-minded individuals sharing a common vision for success.
Commenting on the event, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council said, “Having mentors and teachers like Blaise in your business life is crucial, as their guidance and wisdom shape how you act as a leader. This influence not only enhances your decision-making and leadership skills, but also directly impacts the profitability and sustainability of your business. Local Enterprise Office Wicklow play a strategic role in business development by providing access to experienced mentors. This support is essential for navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and fostering long-term growth and success."
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, commented that: “Local Enterprise Office Wicklow serves as the facilitator and catalyst for business opportunity, transforming innovative ideas into thriving enterprises by providing the resources, support, and guidance needed for success. They are the backbone of local economic development, fostering entrepreneurship and enabling small businesses to grow and prosper. Over the last 10 years, LEO Wicklow approved over 10,330 businesses to avail of Business Growth Grants and Trading Online Vouchers alone to a value of €16 million”.
The huge crowd in attendance was a testament to Blaise Brosnan’s significant contributions to Wicklow businesses over the past two decades through coaching, training and mentoring. Business Owner David Corish of Pinecone Coffee mentioned: ’Personally, Blaise was incredibly valuable on my entrepreneurial journey. He never judged but provided practical guidance, support, and advice based on his own experiences and knowledge. He helped me navigate challenges, offered new perspectives, and provided insights that helped accelerate my personal and professional goals.”
Blaise Brosnan added, "Seeing so many driven entrepreneurs come together to share knowledge and support each other reaffirms my belief in the power of community and collaboration. It’s through events like these that we can continue to foster a strong entrepreneurial spirit in Wicklow."
Eight events took place in Wicklow during Local Enterprise Week including a Masterclass in Futureproofing Your Retail Business in Tulfarris Hotel, a well-attended information event in partnership with Bray Chamber and the KWETB on business supports and a Going Green in Business event in Arklow.
Over 20 business owners came to find out how the Green for Business and €10,000 Energy Efficiency Grant on offer through LEO Wicklow can help you replace old or defective equipment and thus reduce energy overheads.