Carlow County Council, in partnership with Connected Hubs, has today launched a new campaign to showcase the benefits of hub spaces for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the county.
The campaign, part of the national *Think Big. Work Local.* initiative, will run this autumn and will feature billboards, regional radio and press coverage, as well as a strong social media presence. The campaign will also highlight the story of local businesswoman Eimear Ní Bhraonáin, founder of eimear.ie, who uses her local hub – Station House, Hacketstown - to grow and manage her business.
Eimear said:
“Using my local hub has been a game-changer for my business. It gives me a professional base to meet clients, the flexibility to manage my workload, and the chance to be part of a supportive business community. For small businesses like mine, hubs are not just about space — they’re about opportunities to grow and connect locally. I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to grow my business from my native county Carlow, as I have a pride of place and this is part of my story.
The campaign highlights the practical benefits that hubs offer SMEs, such as flexibility without long leases through coworking desks, private offices, and hybrid options for teams of all sizes. It emphasizes cost efficiency by providing professional, ready-to-use spaces that help reduce overheads, while also offering client-ready meeting rooms, training facilities, and event venues that enhance business credibility. Additionally, hubs foster a sense of community and support, giving SMEs access to valuable networks, mentoring opportunities, and collaboration with other local businesses.
Speaking about the launch, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise, Carlow County Council, said:
“This campaign is about supporting Carlow’s business community with practical, flexible solutions that help them grow and thrive. By partnering with Connected Hubs, we can highlight the world-class facilities and supportive communities available right here in Carlow, making it easier for SMEs to do business closer to home.”
Stephen Carolan, Head of Connected Hubs, Western Development Commission, added:
“SMEs are the backbone of our local economies, and hubs offer them the flexibility, connectivity and professional environments they need to succeed. We’re delighted to work with Carlow County Council on this pilot campaign, which showcases the real impact hubs can have for rural businesses.”
Commenting on the Hubs in County Carlow , Cllr. Ken Murnane , Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said
“Carlow County Council, in partnership with Carlow Community Enterprise Centres, is proud to support a growing network of hubs across the county. By investing in flexible, cost-effective spaces like Enterprise House and the Station House Hub, we’re helping SMEs reduce overheads, access professional facilities, and connect with a wider business community. This hub ecosystem is a key part of our strategy to support local enterprise and rural innovation.”
Connected Hubs is a key driver of Ireland’s national hub network, bringing together over 390 hubs across the country on one platform - ConnectedHubs.ie. The initiative is managed by the Western Development Commission as part of the Government of Ireland’s Our Rural Future policy.