Kilkenny Design and the Local Enterprise Office network have launched the Kilkenny Design Makers Academy, a national initiative designed to support up to 25 Irish makers and designers through a structured business development programme focused on building scalable consumer brands, as reported by Think Business.

The programme is free to participants and brings together retail expertise, enterprise support and practical business training to address what the organisers describe as a long-standing challenge facing Ireland's creative businesses: converting design capability into consistent commercial growth.

Participants will learn directly from senior members of the Kilkenny Design team alongside industry experts and enterprise specialists, gaining practical insights into retail, brand development and what it takes to compete in today's consumer market.

Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of Kilkenny Group, said the programme is designed to bridge the gap between creative talent and commercial viability. "Through the Makers Academy, we want to help bridge the gap between creativity and commercial success by providing participants with access to real retail expertise, practical business support and invaluable mentoring," she said. "Our ambition is to help develop and support the next generation of successful Irish brands."

Moynihan added that the academy reflects Kilkenny Design's founding purpose. "Since 1963, Kilkenny Design has championed the creativity, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit of Irish designers and makers, helping bring their work to customers across Ireland and beyond," she said. "The Makers Academy is a natural evolution of that commitment to creating new opportunities for emerging businesses to grow, scale and succeed."

Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office, said the programme demonstrates the impact of targeted supports within the creative economy. "This programme brings together three powerful elements: enterprise support, retail expertise and practical business development, creating a unique opportunity for participants to strengthen their commercial capability and prepare for sustainable growth," she said.

The initiative forms part of a broader range of enterprise development programmes run by the Local Enterprise Offices throughout the year to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the consumer products and creative sectors.

Find out how to apply and access full programme details in the complete report.