What’s Changing for Traders This Week – Week 40, 2026

There are a few useful updates for you this week, including an important consumer-law change that is now officially in force, a free five-week programme for craft businesses and makers in Clare and a free grant-information session for Waterford businesses planning to invest or expand.

As always, I’ve focused on the updates that may actually be useful to you as a small business, market trader, maker or other IOMST member.

New Rules on Eco-Friendly and Sustainability Claims Are Now in Force

The new consumer rules around environmental and sustainability claims came into effect in Ireland on 27 September 2026.

The rules are aimed at preventing misleading environmental claims and making sure customers are given clear and reliable information when businesses describe products or services as environmentally friendly.

If you use wording such as:

eco-friendly
sustainable
green
environmentally friendly
carbon neutral
recyclable
biodegradable
better for the planet
you need to be careful that the claim is clear, accurate and something you can support.

Broad environmental claims should not suggest that an environmental benefit applies to your entire product or business if it only relates to one particular part.

The rules also cover sustainability labels, future environmental claims, information about durability and repairability, and certain claims based on carbon offsetting.

Why this may matter to you

Many of you use environmental wording quite naturally when describing handmade, recycled, reusable, locally produced or lower-waste products.

It is worth taking a few minutes to check your:

product labels
stall signage
website descriptions
social media posts
packaging
promotional materials

If you use words such as “eco-friendly” or “sustainable”, make sure you are comfortable that you can explain and support what you mean.

The rules apply whether you are selling face-to-face or online.

Official information from the Department of Enterprise:
https://www.enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/the-business-environment/empowering-consumers-for-the-green-transition/

We mentioned these rules before they came into effect, but now that they are live, this is a good time to have another quick look at the wording you are using.

Clare Craft Businesses: Free Five-Week Business Programme

Local Enterprise Office Clare is running a free programme specifically for craft businesses, makers and creative entrepreneurs.

Handmade to Profitable: Finance, Marketing & Growth for Craft Businesses begins on 30 September 2026 and continues on 7, 14, 21 and 28 October.

The programme runs from 6pm to 9pm at The Design Bank in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.

Topics include:

tax and Revenue obligations
bookkeeping
VAT
product costing and pricing
protecting profit margins
branding
identifying your target customer
marketing
social media
planning for growth

Participants also receive three hours of one-to-one mentoring as part of the programme.

At the time of checking, the programme was listed as free, with only a small number of places remaining.

Why this may matter to you

If you are a maker or craft business based in Clare, this one is particularly worth a look because it has been designed specifically for businesses like yours rather than as a general business course.

Pricing, understanding your margins, keeping proper records and knowing whether your products are actually profitable can make a huge difference to a small handmade business.

If you feel the creative side of the business is easier than the finance or marketing side, this could be a very useful programme.

Find out more and book through LEO Clare:
https://www.localenterprise.ie/clare/training-events/online-bookings/handmade-to-profitable-finance-marketing-growth-for-craft-businesses.html

Waterford Businesses: Could Your Next Investment Qualify for Grant Support?

Local Enterprise Office Waterford is holding a free online information session on Wednesday, 30 September 2026 from 1pm to 1.45pm.

The session is aimed at Waterford businesses planning an investment over the next 12 months.

This could include:

purchasing new equipment
taking on staff
developing a new product
expanding your business

The LEO will explain the different financial supports that may be available and there will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

Why this may matter to you

If you are planning to spend money on equipment, growth or expansion, it is always worth checking whether support may be available before you commit to the cost yourself.

This session could be useful if you are based in Waterford and are considering investing in your business over the coming year.

If you are based elsewhere, it may still be worth contacting your own Local Enterprise Office to ask what supports are available in your area.

Waterford businesses can find out more here:
https://www.localenterprise.ie/waterford/training-events/online-bookings/is-your-business-investment-grant-eligible.html

A Useful Week to Check the Business Side of Things

Not every useful update is about a new market or trading opportunity.

Sometimes it is about making sure the wording you use to sell your products is correct, checking whether a training programme could help you improve your pricing and marketing, or finding out whether support is available before you make your next investment.

We’ll keep watching for opportunities and other developments that may be useful to you.

For more Information, Guides Help, Support or Advice. Get in touch with IOMST and become a member today!

Grainne & Greg

Just a little reminder:

This blog is here to spark ideas and help you think about your business in new ways. What works for one person might not suit another. Take what’s helpful, adapt it to your own style, and if you ever need more tailored advice, just get in touch. That’s what we’re here for, supporting you and your business every step of the way.