What’s the HubBub?
Here’s What’s Happening
News, updates and goings-on from Ireland’s connected hubs — a little buzz, a few big ideas, and plenty to talk about.
Welcome to The HubBub — your place to catch up on what’s happening across the Connected Hubs network, aka, the other hubs across Ireland. From community projects to national initiatives and new hubs joining the fold, this is where the chatter lives.
Here you’ll find short updates, stories, and announcements that keep you in the loop.
Latest Updates
TUS Learning in the Community Series - Demystifying Community Series
Following the launch of Demystifying Cyber Security, TUS Learning Gate has announced a wider 2026 online session series focused on breaking down important topics impacting communities and workplaces today. Upcoming sessions will explore areas including Artificial Intelligence, Personal Development, and 4 Things to Consider When Starting a Business, with all talks designed to be practical, accessible and relevant to broad audiences. The series aims to make complex topics easier to understand through expert-led discussions and recorded online sessions available via the TUS Learning Gate website.
Getting Started with AI
The AIready.ie “Getting Started with AI” course is a quick, accessible introduction designed to help individuals and businesses build confidence with AI tools. Developed as part of a national initiative, this free online course breaks down the basics of AI, its real-world applications, and how it can support everyday tasks — all in a simple, jargon-free format. Ideal for beginners, it can be completed in under 30 minutes and is a practical first step for anyone looking to understand and start using AI in work or daily life. Register to start
DAF Growing Social Enterprise Fund
The Department of Community Development and Charities has launched the €4 million DAF Sustaining Social Enterprise Scheme 2026/27, designed to support the growth and sustainability of social enterprises across Ireland. Administered by Pobal, the scheme focuses on funding key staff roles that can drive traded income or free up capacity within organisations to scale their impact. Social enterprises must first complete an eligibility check through an open call before progressing to full application. With a strong emphasis on building organisational capability and long-term sustainability, this is a valuable opportunity for social enterprises looking to grow strategically. Deadline for eligibility checks: 15 May 2026 (2pm). Find out more and apply
COMS - The Community Managers Summit's
The 2nd edition of the Coworkies Community Managers Summit (COMS) takes place on 4 June in Barcelona, bringing together community managers, hub operators and workspace leaders from across Europe and beyond. Focused on the people driving coworking communities, this event offers practical insights, peer learning and international perspectives on building stronger, more connected hubs. For members of the Connected Hubs network, it’s a unique opportunity to learn from global best practice, expand your network, and stay ahead of trends shaping the future of coworking — one not to miss. Find out more
2026 New Frontiers is open
Applications are now open for New Frontiers 2026, Ireland’s national entrepreneur development programme delivered by Atlantic Technological University, Galway-Mayo Innovation Hubs and funded by Enterprise Ireland. Designed for individuals with innovative business ideas or early-stage startups, the programme provides a structured pathway to test, build and scale a business, including expert mentoring, incubation support, and access to funding. Participants can benefit from a €15,000 tax-free grant in Phase 2, alongside office space, investor connections and peer learning. Delivered in two phases — from feasibility to full-time development — New Frontiers offers a comprehensive support package valued at up to €40,000. Applications are now open, with a deadline on Tuesday, 13 May, and places are limited. Find out more
EDGE26 White Paper Survey - Have Your Say on the Future of the Digital Creative Economy
CREW, with UrbanLab Galway and in partnership with the West & North-West Regional Skills Fora, is conducting this survey to better understand the current state and future prospects of the digital creative economy across the West and North-West of Ireland. The findings will inform a white paper on sector scale, structure, opportunities and future needs, which will be launched at EDGE26. Fill out the survey
Ideas Over Coffee pilot - Early Findings
Early findings from the Ideas Over Coffee pilot, delivered by Connected Hubs with Local Enterprise Office Mayo and Local Enterprise Office Monaghan, highlight strong potential for a bottom-up approach to shaping enterprise supports. Sessions in ATU iHub Castlebar, IQ Ballina and M:TEK1 Monaghan showed high engagement, with key themes including demand for AI and digitisation supports, clearer funding pathways, and skills development. Further sessions are planned before final insights are confirmed. The next session is in Westport. Find out more
Matchmaking-event for Irish businesses in Germany
Irish companies have an opportunity to connect with potential partners and explore new markets at a business matchmaking event taking place in Rostock on 10 June (with optional meetings continuing on 11 June). Organised by the German SME association BVMW, the event will bring together businesses across sectors including logistics, mechanical and electrical engineering, food, maritime, medical technology, wastewater, aerospace, tourism, timber and renewable energy. Participation from Irish companies is being supported by Coworkationers, working alongside the Western Development Commission to strengthen connections between Irish and German SMEs and encourage cross-border collaboration. Businesses interested in taking part can contact Coworkationers founder Rainer Kiebat for further details: rkiebat@gmail.com
Get PSSF-Ready with PorterShed x Bertie
PorterShed has launched a new six-week virtual accelerator, delivered in partnership with MyBertie.ai and supported by the Western Development Commission, to help tech founders across the West build strong, competitive applications for Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund. Open to companies from Malin Head to Mizen Head, the programme combines mentorship, peer learning and an AI-powered venture copilot to sharpen commercial strategy, validate market opportunity and strengthen investment cases. Aimed at founders with early traction and digital innovation at their core, the sprint culminates in the submission of a PSSF application. Applications are now open, with the programme kicking off on 23 March and final intake closing on 4 May. Find out more
IMPACT project
The IMPACT project is inviting remote professionals across Ireland to take part in a short, anonymous survey exploring how skilled remote workers can contribute to community groups and social enterprises. With just 21 quick questions and no commitment required, your input will directly inform the design of future training, volunteering pathways and tailored supports for remote workers seeking to make a meaningful local impact. If you work remotely and want to help shape practical, skills-based community engagement opportunities, take 10 minutes to share your perspective today. Take the survey
Partas Co-Working Kitchens
Partas has announced that its brand-new Co-Working Kitchens facility will open in May 2026 in Tallaght Village, beside the thriving Priory Market and with convenient access to the M50. Designed to support food businesses, start-ups and culinary entrepreneurs, the space will feature 12 individual workstations operating on a flexible booking system with 24/7 member access. Expressions of Interest are now open, inviting prospective members to help shape this innovative kitchen hub and build a vibrant new food enterprise community in South Dublin. Complete and submit the EOI
Joint Oireachtas committee address
Remote and blended work is no longer a workplace preference; it is a regional development lever. This week, Stephen Carolan and Aisling Moroney from the Western Development Commission addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development yesterday on the role of remote and blended work in Ireland. Watch the full presentation (please note, it starts at 13 minutes and 37 seconds) | Check out the LinkedIn post
Coworking Space Market is predicted to expand from USD 51.48 billion in 2025 to USD 100.0 billion in 2032
A new industry outlook predicts the global coworking space market will nearly double in size by 2032, expanding from an estimated USD 514.8 billion in 2025 to around USD 1,000 billion by 2032. Fueled by the ongoing rise of hybrid and remote work, growing numbers of freelancers and entrepreneurs, and organisations rethinking traditional office models, this growth signals strong, sustained demand for flexible, collaborative work environments. The forecast highlights how coworking is evolving beyond short-term leasing to become a core part of modern work culture — offering adaptable spaces that support productivity, community connection and business resilience across sectors worldwide. Read the full article
AI Ecosystem Accelerator
The AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme, delivered by NovaUCD in partnership with CeADAR and funded through the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) for AI, is now open for applications for its 2026 cohort. Designed for Irish-registered AI start-ups with validated products, clear customer demand and global ambitions, this six-month accelerator provides dedicated commercial mentorship, technical guidance on AI implementation and data strategy, targeted training on scaling and investor readiness, industry and investor connections, and access to NovaUCD’s co-working space and founder network. With applications open until 27 February 2026, selected teams will participate from April through October, culminating in a showcase event — offering a powerful platform for AI start-ups to sharpen value propositions, accelerate go-to-market traction and become investment-ready. Find out more
Digital Marketing Apprenticeship – Supporting Ireland’s Future Talent
The Digital Marketing Apprenticeship gives businesses a practical way to develop skilled, work-ready marketers while strengthening their own digital capability. Apprentices learn on the job, supported by industry-aligned training in areas such as content creation, analytics, paid media and campaign design. For employers, it offers a structured route to bring fresh talent into the organisation and build long-term capacity in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. The programme continues to grow as more companies recognise the value of developing talent locally and sustainably. Find out more or make an enquiry
Introducing... The ACE Programme (Supported by OrderIT)
The ACE Programme, supported by OrderIT, is a new initiative designed specifically for start-up and early-stage food businesses, providing a complete IT and ordering setup with no upfront service costs. The programme includes a website with online ordering and payments, a branded mobile app (iOS and Android), a full POS system with hardware, and QR code ordering — allowing founders to focus on running their business rather than managing technology. With no monthly or service fees and only an €800 refundable deposit for POS hardware, this is a low-risk, practical solution for getting fully operational. For more information or to express interest, contact kaitlin@acepark.ie
Rural hubs research — community value in remote work spaces
A new open-access study published in the Journal of Rural Studies explores how rural coworking and remote working hubs contribute to a sense of community among users, based on 32 in-depth interviews with hub members and remote workers. The research highlights how shared values, emotional connection, belonging, and the fit between people and place influence the development of community in rural hubs — showing that remote hubs can fulfil personal, work and social needs and, in doing so, support socio-economic development in rural regions. This paper offers evidence-based insights into why community and shared space matter in rural coworking environments, and how rural hubs can foster stronger connections and shared value for members as hybrid and remote work continue to evolve. Read the full article
Remote jobs campaign
A national campaign led by Sway is calling for a clear, measurable target for PAYE remote jobs in Ireland, with the potential to drive real change in 2026. Years of on-the-ground work show the challenge is not a lack of remote roles or talent, but a lack of cohesion — with over 100,000 PAYE-equivalent remote jobs passing Ireland each month while employers struggle to find visible, job-ready candidates. To move policy and employer commitments forward, two things are now needed: clear evidence of demand and a credible, organised pool of people ready to take up remote-first roles. If you are a remote worker, or want to be one, the most powerful action you can take right now is to be counted by signing up to Sway with your skills, location and lived experience, helping build the visibility needed to unlock national targets, incentives and long-term access to quality remote jobs. Sign up to Sway
Looking for a relocation opportunity near a hub?
A family home is available to rent in a rural community in “Joyce Country”, just 6.8km from gteic @ Corr na Móna hub, Co. Galway. The offer is aimed at families with primary-school-age children, with places available in the local Gaelscoil and a €2,000 bursary to support rent and travel costs. With national broadband in place, strong community supports and hub access nearby, this could suit remote workers or hub members seeking a family-friendly relocation option — please share with anyone who might be interested. For more info, email margaret.kineavy@gmail.com
WDC Pilot Landing Studio @ CREW Galway
The Western Development Commission has launched The Landing Studio, a new pilot initiative offering regionally based creative and innovative businesses a high-quality shared innovation space in Galway city. Hosted at CREW Galway, with the AIM Centre as an anchor tenant, the studio will provide selected start-ups and businesses with dedicated workspace, tailored support, access to expert partners and programmes, strategic advisory services on AI and emerging tech, and opportunities to collaborate across technology, design and creative industries. With just eight spaces available, applications for this first call are now open until 2pm on December 19th. Learn more
Office Furniture & Equipment for Donation in Dublin
Collecteco — a UK organisation that works with corporate clients to meet social and environmental goals by donating quality surplus equipment to charities and community groups — is offering a range of good-condition office furniture and equipment to not-for-profit organisations in Ireland. Following a recent office move, items are now available free of charge, with the full inventory listed on the Collecteco website. Groups can express interest through the site or by contacting the team directly. Collection from Mount Street, Dublin (D02) is available this week, with delivery quotes arranged if needed. If the items aren’t suited to your organisation, please consider sharing this opportunity to help ensure valuable resources reach community groups that can put them to meaningful use.
Data Protection Commission has developed a survey to support their work with Micro and Small to Medium enterprises
The Data Protection Commission (DPC), Ireland’s national authority for safeguarding personal data and enforcing GDPR compliance, has launched a new survey to better understand the needs and experiences of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The insights gathered will help shape the DPC’s ongoing engagement and support for SMEs across the country. Members are invited to take part before the survey closes on Wednesday, 10th December. Access the survey
SERI'S Financial Literacy Hub
SERI, with support from the Social Finance Foundation, has unveiled the new Financial Literacy Hub — a free, dedicated resource designed to make financial management simpler and more sustainable for social enterprises. The Hub offers a full learning roadmap, mini-courses, ready-to-use financial templates, expert social finance advice, a directory of Social Lending Organisations, and access to discounted financial supports. Built as a collaborative space, users can also submit questions, suggest new features, or request templates directly through the platform. This new tool aims to strengthen the financial confidence and capacity of social enterprises across the country, helping them navigate funding, reporting, and long-term planning with greater ease. Find out more
GoCar Partners with Enterprise House to launch shared cars for Carlow entrepreneurs
Enterprise House Carlow has teamed up with Irish car-sharing service GoCar to introduce two shared vehicles — a VW Taigo and Nissan Qashqai — for local businesses and entrepreneurs using the hub. Operated by Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG as part of the Connected Hubs network, the initiative provides flexible, sustainable transport options without the expense of owning a company vehicle. Supported by Carlow County Council and Mayor Paul Doogue, the partnership highlights the town’s commitment to greener mobility and innovation in enterprise. Read the full article
The post-pandemic workplace: what's next?
Gallup’s latest research reveals lasting workplace shifts, from hybrid work dominance to record-low employee engagement and wellbeing. As businesses navigate AI, evolving customer expectations, and workplace disruption, strong leadership and meaningful connections will be key to success. Read more
Got something worth a mention? Drop us a line — we’re always up for adding a bit more buzz to The HubBub.
Connected Hubs is a central driver of the Irish National Hub Network, a Government of Ireland initiative aimed at establishing and strategically expanding a network of interconnected hub facilities throughout the country. Connected Hubs is a Government of Ireland initiative under Our Rural Future. Connected Hubs is managed by the Western Development Commission in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
