Event organisers celebrate entrepreneurial spirit as city and county collaborate to support small business growth at popular weekend festival

Cork City and County Local Enterprise Offices are preparing to showcase 50 small local businesses at this year’s Local Enterprise Zone during the Cork Summer Show, taking place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June at the Cork Showgrounds in Curraheen.

The Local Enterprise Zone promises to be a vibrant hub of innovation and creativity, providing a valuable platform for LEO-supported clients to showcase and sell their diverse range of products and services. Visitors can browse offerings from local entrepreneurs spanning craft, wellbeing, fashion, services, photography, homeware, food samples and gifts.

The initiative highlights the ongoing commitment of Cork’s Local Enterprise Offices to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses in reaching new audiences whilst growing sustainably.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle, praised the collaborative effort, stating:

“Cork City continues to thrive because of its vibrant business community, and initiatives like the Local Enterprise Zone at the Cork Summer Show offer real and tangible support to local businesses. The collaboration between city and county LEOs highlights the unified effort to help our local economy grow.”

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll also welcomed the initiative, saying:

“The Cork Summer Show is one of the largest and most loved events in the county, and it’s heartening to see Cork’s Local Enterprise Offices using this platform to champion local talent. These 50 businesses represent the very best of Cork’s entrepreneurial spirit, and I look forward to seeing their creativity and ambition on full display.”

The Local Enterprise Zone will remain open to the public throughout the weekend, offering visitors opportunities to meet the makers, sample local produce and support the thriving local business community that forms the backbone of Cork’s economy.

The Local Enterprise Zone at Cork Summer Show is managed by LEO Cork City (www.localenterprise.ie/corkcity), LEO South Cork (www.localenterprise.ie/southcork), LEO Cork North & West (www.localenterprise.ie/corknorthandwest), and Cork Summer Show 2025 (www.corksummershow.com).