Ready, Set, Grow: Mid Ulster Enterprise Week Turns Ambition into Action!

Mid Ulster Enterprise Week 2026 will take place from Monday 16 to Friday 20 November, offering 12 online and in-person events for entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses.

TL;DR: Mid Ulster District Council is bringing back Enterprise Week with events covering artificial intelligence, digital marketing, podcasting, communication and business support. The five-day programme aims to help local businesses develop new skills, make connections and explore opportunities for growth.

Mid Ulster Enterprise Week 2026 to Focus on Business Growth

Mid Ulster District Council has announced the return of Mid Ulster Enterprise Week 2026, with a programme of 12 events designed to help businesses turn ambition into practical action.

Running from Monday 16 to Friday 20 November, this year’s programme will operate under the theme Turning Ambition into Action.

The initiative will bring together business leaders, industry experts and support organisations to share knowledge, practical advice and opportunities for collaboration.

Whether someone is launching a new business, developing an existing company or exploring new technology, the programme aims to provide useful tools for the next stage of their business journey.

BBC’s John Campbell to Host Opening Event in Dungannon

The week will begin with Mid Ulster: Ready, Set, Grow! at Hill of The O’Neill in Dungannon.

Hosted by BBC Economics and Business Editor John Campbell, the event will explore the economic outlook for Mid Ulster and the wider challenges facing businesses.

John Campbell will be joined by three local business leaders:

The panel will share experiences of running successful businesses, responding to economic challenges and identifying new opportunities.

Dee Graham said she was looking forward to sharing lessons learned while running her business and hearing from other entrepreneurs across the district.

AI and Digital Marketing Among Key Topics

Technology and digital skills will play an important role in this year’s Enterprise Week.

Businesses will have the opportunity to attend online sessions covering Google Business Profile, artificial intelligence and communication.

Improving Your Google Business Profile

Digital marketing specialists Digital 24 will deliver a webinar focused on helping businesses improve their online visibility through Google Business Profile.

The session will offer guidance for businesses looking to attract more local customers and strengthen their online presence.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Efficiency

Ciaran Connolly from ProfileTree will lead a session titled Using AI to Make Your Business More Efficient.

The webinar will explore how artificial intelligence can help businesses streamline everyday activities, improve productivity and make better use of available resources.

The Importance of Communication in Business

Louise Keenan Clarke will deliver The Confidence of Communication, examining why clear and confident communication remains essential as businesses increasingly adopt AI and automation.

The session will offer practical insights into strengthening customer relationships, building trust and communicating more effectively.

Podcasting Event at Pomeroy Forest

Businesses interested in reaching new audiences through audio content will have an opportunity to learn from experienced broadcasters and podcast producers.

Behind the Mic: Podcasting for People and Business will take place at Pomeroy Forest, hosted by broadcaster Lynette Fay.

The event will feature:

The discussion will explore how businesses can use podcasting to share their expertise, build credibility and connect with customers.

Dr Anne Rice, DS3 Multimedia Lab facilitator at Ulster University, said attendees would also have the opportunity to see a live podcasting demonstration.

She explained that podcasting can help businesses turn their expertise into influence while strengthening their brand and growing their audience.

Business Support and Funding Opportunities

Another key session, The Business Support Spotlight, will help businesses understand the assistance available across Mid Ulster.

Representatives from Invest Northern Ireland, South West College, Innovate+ and Mid Ulster District Council will explain the services and programmes available to businesses.

The event will provide an opportunity to learn more about business advice, training, innovation support and potential development opportunities.

For entrepreneurs and smaller businesses, understanding where to find the right support can be an important step towards future growth.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Mid Ulster Enterprise Week 2026 will also encourage young people to explore entrepreneurship.

During From Blank Pages to Full Tubs, bestselling author Emma Heatherington and Bethany Boyd of Betty’s Ice Cream NI will share their experiences of turning creative ideas into successful ventures.

The session aims to demonstrate how imagination, determination and hard work can help transform an initial idea into a business.

Organisers hope the event will inspire young people to explore their own entrepreneurial ambitions.

Council Encourages Local Businesses to Get Involved

Launching the programme, Mid Ulster District Council Chair Councillor Deirdre Varsani welcomed the return of Enterprise Week.

She highlighted the ambition, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit found throughout the district’s business community.

Councillor Varsani said the programme had been designed to help turn those strengths into practical action by giving businesses access to expert knowledge, valuable connections and useful resources.

She encouraged entrepreneurs, start-ups and established companies to participate in the events and take advantage of the support available.

The Council believes that supporting local businesses and encouraging collaboration will help strengthen Mid Ulster’s economy and create opportunities for sustainable growth.

How to Register for Mid Ulster Enterprise Week 2026

Mid Ulster Enterprise Week takes place from Monday 16 November to Friday 20 November 2026.

The programme includes 12 online and in-person events, with opportunities for businesses at different stages of development.

Those interested in attending can view the full programme and find registration information through the official Mid Ulster District Council website.

View the full programme and register for Mid Ulster Enterprise Week 2026.

Businesses are encouraged to register in advance to secure their places.

For more events, business opportunities and local news, visit Northern Ireland Online’s Events Directory.