Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Carlow, with Google and Craftwork4All, and in association with Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow LEOs delivered Digital 26 at The Foundry, Google EMEA Headquarters, Dublin on 13th November 2025. The event supported craft and creative businesses to adopt digital tools and artificial intelligence in a practical and responsible way.
Google and the Local Enterprise Offices opened the day with a focus on how digital and AI can support growth in creative enterprises. Kira Brakhage, from Google, delivered an insightful presentation on applying AI to improve productivity, content development and unlock new market opportunities. John Stafford, from Google, A live demonstration showed how ViGenAir can repurpose existing content into promotional video assets for different advertising platforms.
Two practical breakouts followed; Making Sense of AI covered core concepts and ethics while Practical AI for Marketing provided actionable steps for branding, customer engagement and online visibility. Participants engaged with LEO advisors throughout the day to identify relevant next steps for their businesses.
The closing session, My Digital Journey & AI, was hosted by Naomh McElhatton, Irish Ambassador for Women in AI and founder of the Business of AI Club. The panel featured Magdelena Seymour of Pure Oskar, Kim Whyte of Pawpear, Kay Lyng of K Kajoux Jewels, Niav Riley of Market Square Studios, and Kieran Comerford on behalf of the Local Enterprise Offices. Speakers shared how digital thinking and AI inform their product development, day-to-day operations and storytelling in their businesses.
Reflecting on the event, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise, Carlow County Council noted “Today’s programme gave attendees practical, usable skills. They left knowing exactly how to apply AI to everyday tasks, from faster content production and clearer customer targeting to workflow automation. Those gains will be evident in their businesses’ day-to-day operations as saved time and more consistent sales, and over the coming months they’ll support smarter investment decisions and steady, sustainable growth. The momentum from Digital 26 puts our creative businesses in a stronger position for 2026 and beyond.”
Following the event, Cllr Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, commented “Digital 26 is about practical gains that people can use straight away. From streamlining content and admin with AI, to improving marketing, managing stock and understanding customers online, attendees will leave with steps they can put to work tomorrow. Those small, day-to-day improvements add up, freeing time for the craft itself and building stronger, more resilient businesses. Over the longer term, the skills shared today will open new markets, support new product development, and deepen collaboration across our region, strengthening the craft and creative sector as a whole. As Cathaoirleach of County Carlow, I’m proud to see our LEOs working with Google to deliver tools that work in the real world and a pathway for growth.
LEO Carlow encourages craft and creative businesses to engage with mentoring, training and digital upskilling supports. You can contact LEO Carlow for one-to-one advice and referral to the You’re the Business initiative