How LEOs and Google’s Surprising Alliance at the Ploughing Championships Could Rewrite Local Business Playbooks Forever

Imagine mixing the age-old tradition of ploughing with cutting-edge AI—sounds a bit like farming with a jet engine, right? Well, that’s exactly the thrilling fusion happening at this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, County Offaly. The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) have teamed up with Google to create the Local Enterprise Village, giving small businesses and budding entrepreneurs an unprecedented backstage pass to the world of digital transformation. With 30 LEOs representing the heartbeat of Ireland’s SME ecosystem, and Google experts on hand offering hands-on AI trainings and demos, this isn’t just another trade fair—it’s a gamechanger. If you’ve ever wondered how AI and smarter digital tools might supercharge your business—making it leaner, meaner, and more competitive—this event is your goldmine. With 300,000 visitors expected, the buzz is palpable, and the opportunities? Endless. Ready to see how old-school grit meets new-school tech to ignite real growth? LEARN MORE.

The Local Enterprise Offices have partnered with Google as part of the Local Enterprise Village at this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

The aim of the link up is to give SMEs at the event a chance to see how digitisation or AI can help their business.

The Local Enterprise Village will accommodate 30 Local Enterprise Offices, which support small businesses from across the country.

The Google area will host a series of AI training and demonstrations at the Local Enterprise Village.

These trainings will focus on helping businesses learn how to incorporate AI to make their businesses more efficient with Google experts.

The Ploughing Championships, which take place in Screggan, Tullamore, County Offaly, from the 16th to 18th September, is expected to see 300,000 visitors.  

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth said: “It will give small business owners, both exhibiting and visiting the Ploughing, the chance to tap into Google’s expertise in the areas of digitisation and AI in how they can significantly impact their business.”

Kieran Comerford, Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices, added, “Not only is it an opportunity for the 30 businesses to be able to access the expertise of Google in digitising their business, but it is open to any small business owner or budding entrepreneur who is visiting the Ploughing across the three days.  

“It will give them a chance to see what these digital tools can unlock in their business and enable them to become more competitive and productive.”

Cera Ward, Managing Director, Google Ireland, said: “Small businesses are at the heart of our economy, driving innovation, growth and creating jobs in communities across Ireland.

“This is especially true in rural areas, where these businesses are vital to local prosperity. At Google, we’ve always believed in the power of digital to help businesses thrive, and we’re proud to partner with the LEO’s as part of the Local Enterprise Village initiative.

“From AI to smarter search tools, digital technology is transforming how small businesses grow, connect with customers, and compete on a global stage.  

“We know that time is a business owner’s most valuable asset, and we’re excited to show how the right AI strategy can boost productivity and give them more time back.

“We look forward to meeting with business owners in Screggan and demonstrating how AI and digital can turn ambition into real growth.”

“This year, our focus is on how digital and AI tools are revolutionising business growth.

“We’ll be on-site to demonstrate how smarter search tools and powerful AI can help businesses reach new customers, streamline operations, and compete effectively on a global scale.

“We know that time is a business owner’s most valuable asset, and we’re excited to show how the right digital strategy can boost productivity and give them more time back.

“We look forward to meeting with business owners and demonstrating how to turn ambition into real growth.”

Photo: Minister Niamh Smyth TD, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Kieran Comerford, Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices,Cera Ward, Google Ireland, Anna May McHugh, NPA Representative,Christine Scully from Home Glow Soy Candles,Eniola Salami from Joyof,Adam Brennan from Sona Sensory,Mike Clancy from Lough Ree Distillery,Fiona Lynch from Almond Rose Design at the launch of Google’s partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices for this year’s Local Enterprsise Village at the National Ploughing Championships.