Through our campaigns we aim to ensure that the small business sector is recognised for its positive contribution to our economy.
SFA Strategy 2026 to 2029
Ireland is a nation of small business owners who serve as the backbone of communities, representing 98.6% of all enterprises and employing over 1.2 million people across the country. As we move into the second quarter of the 21st Century, these "invisible community investors" face unprecedented complexity, including a 1% decline in productivity, spiralling costs, staff retention challenges, and the rapid advent of AI. The SFA Strategy 2026-2029, "Putting The Small Business Owner First", is a thoroughly developed programme designed to ensure prosperity for the next decade by placing owners at the heart of Government policy. Our vision is to address barriers for entrepreneurs through fairer policy, practical supports, and strong representation, ensuring that indigenous small businesses can compete, improve productivity, and remain trusted partners in the national value chain.
This Strategy reaffirms the SFA’s role as the trusted advocate and backer for Ireland’s small business owners - standing with and supporting those who build jobs, strengthen communities, and drive long-term prosperity. Small business owners, driving Ireland forward.
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SFA National Small Business Awards
The SFA National Small Business Awards 2027 have been officially launched by Awards Patron, Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. Now in its twenty third year, these awards celebrate the achievements, innovation, and excellence of small businesses in Ireland and recognise the vital contribution of the small business community to the Irish economy. Small firms (employing less than 50 people) have from Thursday, 3 September until Friday, 23 October to enter. There is also an option to nominate a business to receive an award.
The Awards are free to enter and the prize package for all finalists is valued at €50,000.
This esteemed awards initiative has served as a vehicle for a multitude of outstanding Irish small businesses to showcase their achievements and acknowledge the indispensable dedication of their staff, underscoring their significant contributions to the Irish economy. Be part of the next edition, make sure to apply for one of the 10 available categories - there's one to fit every business! Open to members and non-members of the Small Firms Association.
SFA Pre-Budget Submission 2027
Representing over 98% of Irish enterprises, small firms face a perfect storm of spiralling employment costs and compounding regulatory burdens that threaten their everyday viability. The SFA Pre-Budget Submission 2027 translates our strategic blueprint, Putting the Small Business Owner First, into immediate legislative solutions designed to protect the backbone of local communities. Backed by actionable data from our annual Small Business Survey, this submission delivers a targeted policy roadmap across three vital pillars: alleviating tax and compliance friction, mitigating rising operational costs through targeted PRSI rebates, and boosting talent retention via modernized benefits and AI upskilling grants.
Explore our core proposals below to see how Budget 2027 can deliver real, lasting relief for Ireland's indigenous business community.
Supporting Ireland' Small Business Owners.
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SFA Small Business & AI Survey 2026
The SFA Small Business Survey was conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of the Small Firms Association. Telephone and link-based interviews were completed with 404 key decision-makers (owners, founders, CEOs, and managing directors) of Irish small businesses employing between 1 and 50 people. Data collection concluded on May 28, 2026.
From this survey the SFA produced two publications: the SFA Small Business Survey 2026 - highlighting cost of business and other concerns, and the SFA AI Survey - exploring the usage of AI reported by small firms. The results can be seen via link below.
MentorsWork
MentorsWork is a structured 12-week business support programme, comprising an integrated approach of mentoring and targeted learning opportunities.
The programme is designed to provide you with the skills and supports to help your business thrive, by addressing the specific needs of your business. You choose the priority areas for your business and we tailor the programme to suit your needs.
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