Business Breakfast Seminar – Challenge & Opportunity ’26

Hosted in partnership by: County Carlow Chamber | Carlow County Council – Economic Development Unit | Local Enterprise Office

About the Forum

As businesses look ahead to 2026, the economic landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Rising costs, shifting regulations, the green transition, and changes in government policy are all influencing how companies must operate and grow. At the same time, there are unprecedented opportunities for local businesses to position themselves for success through public procurement, strategic finance, and efficiency-driven planning.

This breakfast forum brings together national thought leadership, local expertise, and practical advice to equip business leaders with insights and strategies that can be applied immediately.

Key Themes

• Public Procurement Opportunities – Understanding how SMEs can access and win tenders, contracts, and opportunities at local and national level.
• Business Efficiency – Exploring pathways for competitiveness, resilience, and smarter use of resources in a changing market.
• Strategic Finance – Guidance on planning, sustainability, and financial resilience for businesses navigating 2026 and beyond.

Programme:

7:30 AM – Registration & Networking Breakfast 

7:50 AM – Opening Remarks

• Coilin O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Carlow County Council
• Norah Ryan, President, County Carlow Chamber

8:00 AM – Keynote Address

Fintan O’Toole – “Ireland at a Crossroads: Economic Choices for a Resilient Future” Renowned commentator and columnist Fintan O’Toole will provide a thought-provoking keynote exploring Ireland’s place in a rapidly changing global economy. His address will reflect on how local enterprise and community leadership can play a role in ensuring resilience, sustainability, and prosperity for regions like Carlow. 

8:25 AM – Panel Discussion: Challenges & Opportunities for Carlow Businesses A dynamic discussion with perspectives on procurement, sustainability, and finance, featuring:

• Fintan O’Toole
• PJ Leonard , Head of Finance, Carlow County Council (Procurement Opportunities for SMEs)
• Lisa Harney , Harney Nolan (Strategic Planning & Finance for SMEs)

Moderated Q&A will ensure participants gain actionable takeaways relevant to their own business journey.

9:15 AM – Closing Remarks

• Paula O’Brien, Director of Services, Carlow County Council “Navigating Procurement & Strategic Planning for 2026 – Support Pathways for Carlow Businesses”

9:30 AM – Close

Why Attend?

This seminar is designed for:

• Business owners and managers seeking new opportunities through public procurement.
• SMEs looking to build efficiency and resilience in the face of rising costs.
• Entrepreneurs and professionals who want to better understand financial planning and sustainability strategies.

It will provide a rare opportunity to hear from one of Ireland’s most influential commentators, while also engaging directly with local experts and policymakers shaping the economic future of Carlow.