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 finalists in the SFA National Business Awards 2026 have been officially announced! The aim of the awards is to celebrate the achievements of small business in Ireland and to recognise the vital contribution of the small business sector to Irish industry.
53 companies have been selected from 16 different counties, across ten categories. You can find out who they are by category here.
SFA Pre-Budget Submission 2026
Ireland is a nation of small businesses that represent the beating heart of communities across the country. The government promise to develop a roadmap aimed at fostering economic growth in the sector is the vision that the SFA has called for in recent times. However, time is short. The tax and regulatory constraints that are choking small businesses remain. Change is required and the SFA has identified a range of proposals for the government to adopt and implement in its first budget.
Our Budget 2026 submission includes range of policy request aimed at reducing costs, lowering taxes easing regulation and fostering recruitment to small businesses;
Unlocking potential & Driving growth.
SFA Small Business & AI Survey 2025
In an independently produced survey with Amárach, over 350 small businesses nationwide were asked questions related to business costs and business sentiment. Although the percentage of small businesses reporting increased costs are significantly down from last year (84%), businesses are still struggling with an high-cost base with 44 percent of businesses reporting no change in costs in the past year.
The same survey shows that 9 out of 10 small firms surveyed are using artificial intelligence (AI) for one or more business processes. The most popular uses for AI were reported to be automation of simple tasks (66%) and data analytics reporting (44%).
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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