A new support fund launched today aims to help Waterford businesses fight back against the rising cost of trading in 2026.
The ‘Keep Waterford Open’ campaign is spear-headed by South East agency Foxy Friar Marketing. While the initiative was originally inspired by the recent 3.5% commercial rate hike the agency has launched the fund as a county-wide support package open to all sectors.
From retailers in the city to contractors in Dungarvan any local business facing rising costs is eligible to enter.
Craig Ennis, Founder of Foxy Friar Marketing, says the goal is to help businesses drive revenue rather than just worrying about bills.
"The rate hike was the spark that lit the fire for this idea but after speaking to business owners we realised the struggle is universal," Ennis said. "It is not just about rates. It is insurance, energy costs and the pressure to compete with international giants. We wanted to launch something that supports the beautician, the builder and the accountant just as much as the shop on the quay."
A Technical Overhaul
The agency is giving away a €3,500 Marketing Support Package to one business. This is not just a consultation but a delivery of technical services designed to modernise the business including:
- Web Design: Building or upgrading a website to convert visitors into customers.
- SEO Optimisation: Ensuring the business appears at the top of Google searches.
- Paid Advertising Management: Targeted campaigns to find new clients.
- Content Creation: Professional strategy to build a brand.
To ensure the support goes to a business that truly means something to the local community the agency has also launched a secondary ‘People’s Choice’ prize on Instagram.
Members of the public are invited to tag their favourite local business on the @FoxyFriarMarketing Instagram page (pinned announcement post). One nominated business will be selected to win a €500 marketing voucher. To encourage people to support their local tradespeople and service providers Ennis has included a ‘Nominator Prize’ where a person who tagged the winning business will receive a €100 voucher to spend with them.
The competition launches on Friday 13 February, and winners will be selected on 14 March.
