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A Ballinasloe-based digital marketing company is one of the stars of a new national campaign showcasing the benefits of working in local enterprise hubs. Araya Business & Marketing Solutions, run by local entrepreneurs Niamh Creaven Connaughton and Honoria Mitchell Black, features in the latest Connected Hubscampaign. The initiative highlights how businesses can grow faster and more sustainably by working from regional hubs like the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub. Founded in 2019, Araya provides outsourced marketing services for small and medium-sized businesses — everything from social media and content creation to event management and strategy. What started at a kitchen table is now a thriving agency supporting clients across Galway and beyond. “We’re your marketing team, just outsourced,” explains Niamh. “The hub gave us a professional base to grow, without the heavy overheads.” After working from home and then from the old Enterprise Centre, the pair moved into the new Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub in the town centre. They say it has transformed their business. “All you need is your laptop – everything else is here,” says Niamh. “Affordable rent, broadband, heating, even furniture. It took away the risk and gave us room to grow.” Honoria adds that the move has also boosted focus and productivity. “When you leave the house, you’re in a different headspace. You can work uninterrupted and share ideas with other business people. The community here has been a game-changer — chance conversations have led directly to new clients.” Connected Hubs Manager Stephen Carolan says Araya’s story captures what the network is all about. “Araya shows the real power of hubs,” he said. “They’re not just about affordable space – they create communities where ideas, collaborations, and local enterprise can thrive. Businesses like Araya are driving growth and energy into towns like Ballinasloe.” The Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub, developed by Ballinasloe Area Community Development, is one of 385 hubs nationwide now part of the Connected Hubsnetwork. Together, they offer more than 5,000 desks and 620 meeting rooms across Ireland. The hubs initiative, led by the Western Development Commission and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’, is part of the Government’s Our Rural Future strategy. It aims to bring jobs, innovation, and investment back to towns and villages. “Enterprise hubs like Ballinasloe are helping people stay and grow their businesses locally,” added Mr Carolan. “They’re creating new opportunities and helping towns like this become vibrant centres of enterprise again.”
