Despite adverse weather, Ireland’s top entrepreneurs where among 450 people gathered for the annual Small Firms Association’s Business Connect event, in partnership with Vodafone, at Killashee Hotel, in Naas today. It was the third consecutive year that the event has taken place in County Kildare. The event is a unique opportunity for the small business community to network, learn and get inspired. Business Connect was opened by local TD, James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The issues discussed at the event are as follows:
- Managing risk and leveraging debt for growth
- Digital - Integrating Digital Solutions for Efficiency
- Supply Chain - Breaking into Big Procurement Networks
- Wellbeing and Mental Health for Business Owners
The featured address was delivered by musician and mental health advocate Niall Breslin (Bressie) which focussed on the wellbeing of Ireland’s small business owners. Business Connect was hosted by journalists Richard Curran which also featured presentations and panel discussions from Ireland’s leading business experts.
In her address to delegates, Geraldine Magnier, SFA Chair and CEO of Idiro Analytics said:
“As stated in our recently published three-year strategy, I think an additional focus the needs to be on our small business owners is paramount. Without the small business owner, without their dedication, risk taking and hard work, there are no small businesses. The ongoing success of the Business Connect event reflects the desire of small business owners to network, inform and learn from each other.”
In his opening address, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland, James Lawless, TD said:
“It is encouraging to see so many entrepreneurs gathered in Kildare to engage, network and learn from each other. Our small business owners are the heart of our communities and are the backbone of our economy. The Government has prioritised the challenges facing the small business community which is guided by our enterprise-friendly Programme for Government. I look forward to continuing my engagements with the Small Firms Association as we work to make Ireland the best small country to do business in.”
Commenting on the event’s themes, SFA Director David Broderick said:
“The issues related to access to large supply chains, well-being, managing risk and digital solutions are on the forefront of the minds of business owners. This conference aims to inform and advise small business leaders about overcoming these challenges from our expert presenters and panellists at a time of economic uncertainty.”
The speakers, sessions and panel discussions for the event were:
- Welcome address - Geraldine Magnier, SFA Chair & Co-Founder. Idiro Analytics
- Opening Address - James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland
