The sixth and final Ideas Over Coffee session in the Monaghan and Mayo pilot series brought business owners and entrepreneurs together at C:TEK in Carrickmacross to share practical insights and help shape future enterprise supports across the region.

Business owners and entrepreneurs gathered at Enterprising Monaghan’s C:TEK Building in Carrickmacross for a recent Ideas Over Coffee session, sharing practical insights into the day-to-day realities of running a business.

This event marked the sixth and final session in a pilot series delivered by Connected Hubs and the Western Development Commission, in partnership with Local Enterprise Office Monaghan and Local Enterprise Office Mayo. The initiative brought together participants from a wide range of sectors, including retail, engineering, professional services, training, financial services and community organisations.

The session was intentionally informal, with no presentations or fixed agenda. Instead, participants shaped the discussion themselves, focusing on the issues most relevant to their businesses.

Several key themes emerged throughout the conversation. Networking featured strongly, with attendees highlighting the value of building and maintaining trusted contacts. A mini-workshop within the session created space for brainstorming ideas and sharing experiences.

Participants also noted the wide range of supports available through Local Enterprise Offices, Cavan-Monaghan Education & Training Board and other agencies, with a clear message to businesses to ask for guidance where needed. One business owner shared her experience in detail, outlining the tangible impact of these supports on the growth of her business.

Discussion also focused on understanding customers and identifying who is motivated to pay for a product or service. Participants explored the importance of recognising alternative revenue streams, including potential funders who may support similar work.

Other themes included the strategic advantages of the border region, the growing interest in artificial intelligence, and the importance of managing information effectively. Practical topics such as pitching, marketing and communicating value were also widely discussed.

The session provided a valuable opportunity for open exchange, peer learning and reflection on both challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the region.

Thanks to Dora McElwain, Alan Kilpatrick and Fiachra O’Gorman at C:TEK for hosting and supporting the session.

About Ideas Over Coffee

What is Ideas Over Coffee?

Ideas Over Coffee is an informal business engagement initiative delivered by Connected Hubs and the Western Development Commission, in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices. Sessions bring together small groups of local business owners and entrepreneurs for open, facilitated conversation about the real challenges they face and the supports that would make a difference. There is no fixed agenda and no presentations. Participants shape the conversation themselves.

Who is Ideas Over Coffee for?

Ideas Over Coffee is for business owners, entrepreneurs and self-employed people at any stage of their journey. Sessions have brought together people from sectors including retail, engineering, professional services, training, financial services and community organisations. No prior knowledge or preparation is needed to attend.

Where have Ideas Over Coffee sessions taken place?

The pilot series of six sessions was delivered across County Monaghan and County Mayo in partnership with Local Enterprise Office Monaghan. Sessions took place in Castleblayney, Carrickmacross and other locations across the two counties. The Carrickmacross session at C:TEK was the sixth and final session in the pilot series.

What do people discuss at Ideas Over Coffee sessions?

Themes vary by location and group, but common topics have included networking and peer connection, accessing business supports, understanding customers and revenue streams, managing costs, marketing and communicating value, and practical challenges around staffing and skills. Sessions in Monaghan also explored topics specific to the region, including the strategic advantages of the border area, growing interest in artificial intelligence, and managing information effectively.

What is the C:TEK Building in Carrickmacross?

C:TEK is Enterprising Monaghan’s enterprise and innovation hub located in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. It provides workspace, supports and facilities for businesses and entrepreneurs in the region. The Carrickmacross Ideas Over Coffee session was hosted at C:TEK with the support of the team there.

What is the Western Development Commission?

The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a statutory body that promotes and supports economic and social development in the west and north-west of Ireland. The WDC leads the Connected Hubs national network and has been involved in the Ideas Over Coffee pilot as part of its work to understand and respond to the needs of businesses in regional Ireland.

What are Local Enterprise Office Monaghan and Mayo?

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Monaghan and LEO Mayo are part of the national network of Local Enterprise Offices, which provide advice, training, mentoring and financial supports to small and micro businesses across Ireland. LEO Monaghan and Mayo were partners in the Ideas Over Coffee pilot series, helping to bring local business owners together and connecting them with the supports available in the two counties.

What happens after the pilot series?

The insights gathered across the six Ideas Over Coffee sessions will inform the next phase of the initiative. The aim is to develop practical supports, including mentoring, training and management development, that are grounded in the real experiences of businesses in the two counties. Connected Hubs and partners will use the feedback to shape what comes next.