About

What is Champion Green?

A national movement by government, industry, business, and the public, to inspire people to support local, to do business locally, and to source local products and services; in-person and online.  It is the biggest #SupportLocal movement in a generation, developed to help our towns and cities recover and remain vibrant for future generations.  A €1M investment has been made in this major public information campaign to date, by its sponsors and trade partners.   

Why do we need Champion Green now?

The country is emerging after two challenging years. Businesses have survived, but they need support more than ever now to recover, which will in turn help local communities.  Almost half (46.2%) of total turnover in the private sector is down to SMEs, who also account for more than two-thirds of private sector jobs.  Every time you support a local business, you are creating jobs, helping Irish families, and putting money back into your own community. You are helping to keep towns and communities vibrant and thriving for future generations.   Champion Green gives us a tangible way to lift each other so we all rise.

What we want to achieve

We want people to shop consciously and support local first whenever possible, whether that is in your local community or with a local website. Two thirds of online spend still goes abroad. Every €1 spent with local businesses gives an injection of at least €2.50 into your local community and the national economy. That means sustainable employment but even more importantly vibrant and energetic communities and creative and cultural industries right across our island. We are asking people to support local makers, designers and businesses in Ireland by buying from them, recommending them and choosing more consciously when they shop. Champion Green. Support Local.

Why sign up to Champion Green?

Along with lending your voice to the Champion Green movement, you will discover new ways to support local, hear about new Irish businesses, and get tips and offers.

Businesses can avail of PR and marketing supports, along with business advice.

How does the Champion Green work?

As a Champion Green supporter, you are simply promising to continue supporting local whenever possible.

As a Champion Green Business or Organisation or Community Group seeking a sustainable recovery, you will get business tips, advice, webinars and toolkits. You are also signing up to a promise – to support and promote local whenever possible.

What Champion Green is NOT…..

Champion Green is NOT a ‘Buy Irish’ campaign.  It is about supporting local enterprise, shopping locally, using local services – all of which create jobs and wealth and exchequer return.   Goods that are designed or manufactured in Ireland are a big part of Champion Green, but any enterprise employing locally needs support to create sustainable local communities.

Who is behind Champion Green?

Champion Green is supported by Kilkenny Design and Visa, in association with Retail Excellence, Small Firms Association, Chambers Ireland,  leading Irish-owned fuel and forecourt business, Maxol, and AIB Merchant Services, one of the country’s largest providers of business payment solutions.  An Post and Aviva Ireland are also long-standing corporate partners of the initiative, which is also backed by print and design specialists, Snap Printing.