Mayo is Ireland's rising star for business and community

A destination for innovation and opportunity

MAYO county is undergoing a dynamic transformation, rapidly gaining the attention of investors and entrepreneurs. This momentum is fuelled by the county’s growing talent pool, strong sense of community, and coordinated support from its active Chamber of Commerce network - all positioning Mayo as a premier destination for innovation, enterprise, and quality living.

With over 40% of its population under the age of 25, and education hubs like the Atlantic Technological University in Castlebar, Mayo has become a nucleus for skilled professionals and forward-thinking innovators. The county’s youthful energy drives a learning culture supported by training initiatives such as Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Skillnet, which delivers tailored business upskilling programmes across digital, management, and technical fields.

Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) throughout Mayo complement this by providing mentorship, start-up funding, and specialist advice to entrepreneurs eager to turn ideas into viable businesses. Meanwhile, Enterprise Ireland champions Mayo-based companies as they scale globally, helping them attract investment, talent, and export opportunities.

Network Ireland Mayo is dedicated to empowering women in our community, providing essential support and resources for personal and professional growth.

Quality of Life: Beyond the Buzz

Mayo’s appeal extends beyond its affordability and remarkable scenery. The county’s heartbeat lies in its people and their commitment to collaboration. Whether in bustling towns like Castlebar and Westport or along the tranquil shores of Erris, or amongst the many cultural and historic towns communities are thriving, offering professionals a balance between ambitious careers and meaningful living.

In Mayo, work and lifestyle merge into something richer - a sense of purpose grounded in place.

Driving Growth

Across the county, the six Chambers of Commerce - Erris, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris, Westport and Ballyhaunis - are working in unison to strengthen Mayo’s economic network. Their combined strategy fosters shared prosperity, ensuring that every business, from small startups to large employers, can benefit from collective knowledge and mutual support.

Focusing on strategic partnerships, innovative initiatives, and a relentless attention on sustainable economic growth is at the heart of their efforts.

Success Stories

Mayo’s business landscape is alive with inspiring success stories that demonstrate the county’s upward trajectory:

A north Mayo tech company recently made headlines with a world-first innovation, showcasing Mayo’s growing capacity for cutting-edge technology development that attracts global attention.

Family businesses remain a backbone of local commerce, with Bar Square in Ballina securing multiple nominations at the 2025 Family Business Awards, recognising their rapid growth and community commitment. Alongside them, Mocha Beans Ballina and Moy Hotel Foxford underscore the strength of family-led entrepreneurship in the region.

WONDR Jellies from Ballina, known for their pioneering high-protein, low-sugar jelly snacks, advanced to the final stage of the National Enterprise Awards 2025, reflecting Mayo’s role as a leader in food innovation and export potential.

Adding to this vibrant ecosystem, An Even Better Place to Work Ltd. published a new transformational employee engagement software platform this week, certified by CPD, helping Irish companies enhance workplace culture through innovative digital tools rooted in Mayo.

Investment Opportunities and Business Growth

Mayo’s economic fabric weaves together startups, family businesses, and global brands like Allergan, Coca-Cola and Portwest. With initiatives such as Mayo Green promoting sustainability and the circular economy, the county is positioning itself as a leader in future-focused industries.

Mayo’s business support ecosystem - including Enterprise Ireland, Mayo Local Enterprise Office, and Skillnet - provides vital funding, mentorship and training, empowering enterprises at every stage of development to innovate, export and grow.

With a skilled workforce, collaborative culture, modern infrastructure, and strategic geographic advantages - including proximity to transport links and Ireland West Airport - Mayo offers a compelling proposition for businesses aiming to establish or expand in Ireland.

Call to Action

For investors: Explore Mayo’s dynamic sectors in technology, renewable energy, and sustainable manufacturing, all primed for growth.

For new businesses: Leverage Mayo’s talent, enterprise supports, and community spirit to launch or scale your operations.

Mayo’s future is built on unity, ambition, and collaboration - core drivers behind its rise as Ireland’s next great success story.

Make Mayo not just your destination but your launchpad for opportunity and innovation.