Tag: Business Development

Of Interest: Be Featured in Irish Examiner’s Weekend – Christmas Gift Guide

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Red background with green Christmas tree graphic and text inviting submissions for the Irish Examiner's 2026 Christmas Gift Guide.

Journalist Denise O’Donoghue of the Irish Examiner is putting together a Christmas Gift Guide for Weekend, featuring as many Irish-made presents as she can possibly squeeze in.

If you own or love an Irish product, business, or service (thoughtful vouchers can make great gifts too), email Denise the details before the 16th of October to be considered for the 2026 gift guide.

A great opportunity to get some Irish-made goodness in front of Christmas shoppers!

Email: denise.odonoghue@examiner.ie

Include a short description, website links, and feel free to attach a photo.

Note: She may not be able to include every submission due to print space constraints, etc.

Her Instagram: @deniseodonoghue

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

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Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Irish Business Design Challenge Competition – Design and Crafts Council of Ireland

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland’s 2026 Irish Business Design Challenge is now open for applications. ⁠
⁠
Micro or small businesses that use design to create sustainable solutions are invited to apply to this DCCI competition. There are awards of up to €20,000 per business, amongst a total prize funding of €50,000.

The Irish Business Design Challenge is looking for businesses that have:

  • Changed their business model to add value
  • Repurposed or redesigned their products or services sustainably
  • Developed new eco-friendly processes or partnerships
  • Discovered new or more efficient ways of working
  • Invented innovative and meaningful solutions
  • Solved societal or environmental problems through sustainable design

Deadline: Monday, the 31st of August 2026⁠.

For more information and to apply, visit the DCCI website: https://www.dcci.ie/whats-on/dcci-awards/dcci-irish-business-design-challenge/dcci-design-business-challenge-about/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Open Call: Craft & Sustainability Festival – Barcelona 2026 – In person and online

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Craftwork Festival 2026 invites European practitioners to Barcelona for three days of exhibition, exchange, and reflection on how craft can shape more sustainable, circular, and environmentally responsible practice.

There are two participation tracks: one in person and the other online.

When: 2nd-4th of December, 2026

Where: ESPRONCEDA, Institute of Art and Culture, Carrer d’Espronceda, 326, Naves 5 & 10, Sant Andreu, 08027 Barcelona, Spain

For more information and to apply, visit this website: https://bit.ly/CW4ABCN

Their Instagram: @craftwork4all

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Petition to Reduce VAT Rate on Irish Craft

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The Irish Design Loft in Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, has organised a petition to reduce the VAT rate on Irish-made crafts. The current Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 23%; they propose reducing it to 13.5%, which is the VAT rate for fine art in Ireland.

“Irish handmade crafts are an important part of our heritage, creativity, and local communities. Yet many independent makers are struggling under the current VAT rate, making it harder to compete and keep traditional skills alive.

A reduced VAT rate on Irish handmade crafts would help support local artisans, small local creative businesses, and the future of Irish craftsmanship.

If you believe in supporting Irish makers, please consider signing the petition and sharing it with others. Every signature helps.”

Editor’s Note: For your input to be registered, you will need to click through an emailed confirmation.

For more information and to sign the petition, visit this website: https://www.change.org/p/reduce-vat-on-irish-handmade-crafts

Their Instagram: @irishdesignloft_


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Makers Academy Launched – Kilkenny Design and the Local Enterprise Office

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A group of eight women and one man gathered around a table decorated with various crafted items, showcasing products and artwork at the Kilkenny Design Makers Academy.

The Local Enterprise Office (LEO), in partnership with Kilkenny Design, have launched The Makers Academy, a business development programme designed to support ambitious local makers, designers and creative entrepreneurs in building sustainable and scalable businesses.

The initiative will provide selected participants with access to industry-leading expertise, mentoring, a business development bootcamp, support, and retail insights from some of Ireland’s most experienced retail and enterprise professionals.

Applications close Friday, the 26th of June (due Thursday at midnight).

For more information, contact your local LEO or visit this page on the LEO website – https://www.localenterprise.ie/news-and-events/local-enterprise-offices-kilkenny-design-launch-makers-academy.html

Their Instagram @officialkilkennydesign @local_enterprise_offices  @enterprise_ireland,

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Open Call: Local Area Enterprises Support for Showcase Ireland 2027

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A woman poses with craft items, including handmade soaps, at a Local Enterprise Showcase event. The image features various products such as candles and mugs, promoting local craft and design talent in Ireland.


Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo, which takes place from the 17th to 19th of January 2027, is the foremost place for retailers to discover unique, design-led fashion and wellness, knitwear, jewellery, craft, gift, and interiors. The show attracts buyers and media from Ireland and around the world.

Makers in the following sectors are invited to apply:

  • Fashion & Knitwear
  • Jewellery
  • Home & Gift Crafts

Each Local Area Enterprise Office (LEO) has been allocated a limited number of exhibition stands for Showcase Ireland 2027.

Please note that this is a competitive application process, and places will be awarded based on specific suitability and eligibility criteria. All applications will be reviewed by the Local Enterprise Village Committee to ensure a high-quality and diverse showcase of local businesses.

Applications close on Wednesday, the 20th of May.

Mandatory In-Person Training
Selected exhibitors must attend one of the following workshops:

  • Athlone: 23rd September 2026
  • Limerick: 30th September 2026

Note: Applicants must apply via their local LEO branch – https://www.localenterprise.ie/find-your-local-enterprise-office/

For more information, visit the LEO website – https://www.localenterprise.ie/enable-enterprise-culture/showcase-2027-applications-open!/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Education: Business Development Courses – Local Enterprise Offices

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Map highlighting various Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland, showing their locations with markers.

There are 31 Local Area Enterprise Offices (LEO) in Ireland, which support people interested in starting a new business or already in business.

LEO offer courses in the following subjects:

  • Starting a Business
  • Financial Management
  • Technology
  • Online Marketing
  • Social Media and AI
  • Computerised Bookkeeping
  • Business Planning

Many craftspeople and makers have taken the ‘Start Your Own Business’ courses and recommend them. The courses length and cost vary depending on location.

Here is a link that shows a map of the various LEO offices – https://www.localenterprise.ie/find-your-local-enterprise-office/

In general, participants are expected to attend courses run by their local LEO. That being said, the various offices offer different selections. Some offer courses online, while some others have in-person courses. Mentoring and financial supports, such as grants must come from one’s local LEO.

Our editor subscribes to three of the 4 local Dublin LEO’s free email newsletters; she has observed that the Fingal LEO offers the greatest selection of subjects of interest to artisans/craftspeople.

Here are two upcoming one-day classes from the FIngal LEO that may be of interest –

Promotional graphic for an online workshop on selling food and craft products at markets and pop-ups, featuring a colourful stall display with merchandise, including bags, clothing, and artwork.

These short, practical LEO sessions focus on real-world selling opportunities and online platforms that are especially relevant for makers looking to grow their businesses.

So, if you are interested in learning more about developing your business, subscribe to the e-newsletter of your Local Enterprise Office.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: The Leitrim Design House Creative Conference

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
The Leitrim Design House Creative Conference with Eddie Shanahan - Friday the 4th of April, 10:30-3:30

The Leitrim Design House Creative Conference: A day of inspiration, industry insights, and creative connection.

This event, chaired by Eddie Shanahan, promises a full day of engaging activities, including motivational presentations, breakout workshops led by industry experts, and thought-provoking discussions with guest panellists:

  • Karena Ryan – Textile Artist & Member of Feltmakers Ireland 🎉
  • Richard West – Woodturner & Sculptor
  • Aileen Stein – Trainer in Mindful Self-Awareness

Plus, the launch of this year’s The Leitrim Design House National Awards.

Date: Friday, 4th of April
Location: The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon

Light lunch provided (please specify dietary requirements when booking).

Plus, the launch of this year’s The Leitrim Design House National Awards!


Book your place now through our website – https://leitrimdesignhouse.ie/blogs/news/the-leitrim-design-house-creative-conference

Or visit www.thedock.ie

Their Instagram – @theleitrimdesignhouse


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: West Cork Collective Opening This Sunday

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West Cork Collective Opening - Sunday, the 2nd of March - 1 PM

On Sunday, the 2nd of March, the West Cork Collective will open its doors. Over 30 members have already come together to create this cooperative group. Currently, a dozen retail members are in the shop, and 22 associate members are in the gallery space.

There will be classes and workshops in the space – including wet felting!

Where: Main Street, Ballinspittle, Kinsale, P17 FF62 – located at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork.

For more information, contact the email included in the image or visit their Instagram @west.cork.collective

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Creative Conference with Eddie Shanahan – Leitrim Design House

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

On Friday, the 4th of April, Eddie Shanahan will facilitate the Leitrim Design House Creative Conference. The day will include a motivational presentation for artists, crafters, and designers, a breakout clinic with guest speakers, a panel discussion, the Leitrim Design House National Awards launch, and a light lunch.

Where: The Dock Arts Centre – St. George’s Terrace in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, N41T2X2.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the website – https://thedock.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873669806

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.