The Mill Enterprise Hub in Drogheda is continuing to build international links, opening up new opportunities for local businesses to grow beyond the North East.
Based in Drogheda, The Mill is a key support for start-ups, scaling companies, and established SMEs. It provides workspace, mentoring, business programmes, and networking opportunities, while also connecting businesses with the people and support they need to grow locally and internationally.
The hub has now signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Mentor, Ohio, creating a new pathway for Irish companies looking to expand into the US market.
The agreement was marked during a visit to The Mill by Ken Filipiak, City Manager and CEO of the City of Mentor, Ohio, and Kevin Malecek, Director of Economic Development. During their visit, they met with regional business leaders, stakeholders and companies from the BASSE North East programme, many of whom are already exploring international growth.
The visit included the formal signing of the partnership, followed by roundtable discussions focused on practical ways for Irish businesses to establish a foothold in the US. Ohio was highlighted as a strong entry point for companies looking to scale internationally.
The City of Mentor is one of Northeast Ohio’s leading business communities, with strengths across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, technology and innovation. Its location, skilled workforce and business friendly environment make it an attractive option for international companies. Ohio is now the seventh largest state economy in the US, with a GDP approaching $1 trillion.
A key part of the discussions centred on the city’s concierge style onboarding model, which supports international businesses entering the US market. This includes help with market research, site selection, setting up operations, building partnerships and accessing talent.
The Ohio delegation also highlighted VC Fest Ohio, taking place in September 2026, which will bring together entrepreneurs, investors and high growth businesses. Representatives from The Mill are expected to attend, helping to build further connections and opportunities for Irish companies.
Photo: Ronan Whitty CEO The Mill Enterprise Hub – Left, Ken Filipiak, City Manager and CEO of the City of Mentor, Ohio
Ronan Whitty, CEO of The Mill Enterprise Hub, said:
“At The Mill, our mission is to connect ambitious businesses with meaningful growth opportunities. This partnership with the City of Mentor, Ohio creates a strong bridge between Ireland and the U.S., giving regional companies access to practical supports, strategic networks and a soft landing into the 7 th largest state economy in the US, if Ohio were a country it would be the 20 th largest economy in the world, It’s the kind of collaboration that helps Irish SMEs think bigger and scale faster.”
Ken Filipiak, City Manager and CEO of the City of Mentor, Ohio,
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be strengthening our relationship with The Mill Enterprise Hub. We’ve already had the opportunity to welcome companies from The Mill to City of Mentor, Ohio, Ohio, and this Memorandum of Understanding represents a tremendous opportunity for sides. It recognises the strong relationship we are building between Drogheda and the city of City of Mentor, Ohio, Ohio. It creates a clear pathway for future collaboration, business growth and international opportunity”.
This partnership further reinforces The Mill Enterprise Hub’s growing position as a connector of enterprise, innovation, and international opportunity, helping ambitious Irish businesses move beyond borders and compete confidently on a global stage.
