Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs: Hub Start & Hub Grow Launch at Station House, Hacketstown

Carlow Community Enterprise Centres, in collaboration with South East Technological University (SETU), Carlow County Council – Local Enterprise Office, and Wicklow County Council – Local Enterprise Office, is delighted to announce the launch of two transformative business support programmes—Hub Start – Rural Enterprise Start-Up Programme and Hub Grow – Enterprise Growth, Innovation & Leadership Programme. Both initiatives are designed to empower rural entrepreneurs and business owners with the knowledge, skills, and networks to succeed in today’s competitive market. Taking place at Station House, Hacketstown, these programmes will provide structured guidance, expert mentorship, and access to key enterprise supports, strengthening Carlow’s rural business ecosystem.

Hub Start is an intensive, results-driven programme aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs looking to transform their ideas into thriving businesses. Running from April 16th to May 7th, this four-week programme offers hands-on training in business planning, legal compliance, financial management, marketing, and risk management. Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise, Carlow County Council, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “Hub Start is about providing real, practical support for rural entrepreneurs who have the ambition to launch and grow their businesses. By leveraging expert-led training, peer learning, and direct access to SETU’s resources, participants will gain the confidence and know-how to navigate the early stages of their business journey.”

For established businesses looking to scale, Hub Grow – Enterprise Growth, Innovation & Leadership Programme will offer targeted support across four key pillars: Leadership & Strategy, Digital Transformation, Financial Management, and Marketing & Innovation. The programme runs from April 30th to June 11th, featuring expert-led workshops, business speaker insights, and tailored mentoring sessions. Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Fergal Browne, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “Supporting rural enterprises is critical for economic sustainability in County Carlow. Hub Grow will provide local business owners with the tools and knowledge to innovate, compete, and expand. By fostering leadership, financial resilience, and digital transformation, this programme will be a game-changer for rural business success.”

Both programmes are part of the Rural Innovation Programme of TU: Rise, supporting local enterprise development and ensuring rural businesses can thrive in a rapidly changing economy. For more details and registration, visit the Carlow Community Enterprise Centres website or contact

For Booking go to:

Hub Start – Rural Enterprise Start-Up Programme Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs to Succeed - Local Enterprise Office - Carlow

Hub-Grow: Enterprise Growth, Innovation & Leadership Programme - Empowering rural enterprises to Scale, Innovate, and Succeed - Local Enterprise Office - Carlow

Media Contact:

Kieran Comerford – 086/8252037