Overview
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.
Key Statistics
In 2024, the Gross Value Added of all small businesses reached €102B, with a total export value of €20B in 2023, of which €9B was specifically to the EU. The sector remains a critical employer, providing direct jobs for 859,256 people and supporting an indirect employment total of 1,095,473. Currently, 43% of people employed in the private sector work within a small business, highlighting the critical role these firms play in the Irish economy.
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Strategic Pillars
To achieve our ambition, the SFA has identified key strategic pillars designed to guide practical actions and workstreams that support small business owners to succeed.
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1 - Growth & Competitiveness/strong> The SFA advocates for an economic environment supporting enterprise and investment. We will work with Government to improve procurement and engage with cost-of-doing-business forums. We will continue to champion proportional regulation and productivity-focused supports to reduce administrative burdens, ensuring indigenous firms are not disadvantaged relative to Foreign Direct Investment in policy or practice. |
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2 - Access to Finance Access to finance remains a persistent constraint. The SFA will engage with banks and Government to simplify lending criteria and improve credit availability. We propose exploring a semi-state bank dedicated to small businesses and advocate for financial products aligned with the realities of small business cashflow, investment cycles, and growth stages. |
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3 - Skills & Talent Ireland’s small firms face acute skills shortages across trades, technical and professional roles. Attracting talent in a near full employment economy has become a challenge while retaining staff is equally problematic due to the salaries offered from larger companies. SFA will champion a rebalancing of the education and training system towards applied learning that works for employers and employees alike. |
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4 - Digital & Productivity Digital adoption and AI are vital to reversing productivity decline. The SFA will provide guidance on digital literacy and cybersecurity. We will advocate for the State to establish a centre of excellence for small business owners to enable digital transactions and upgrades and promote accessible grant schemes, enabling efficiency gains without increasing the administrative burden on small business owners. |
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5 - Representation & Policy Influence The SFA will strengthen its role as the trusted voice of small business through direct engagement with Government and EU forums. We commit to evidence-based advocacy regarding taxation and labour regulation. Through our Brussels office, the SFA will become more visible and influential on the EU’s Simplification agenda, while lobbying for a more consistent service across the Local Enterprise Network. |
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6 - Communication & Community Effective advocacy requires a strong community. The SFA will invest in communications to strengthen engagement with members, media, and policymakers. By expanding digital channels and regional networks, we create forums for owners to connect and influence, partnering with stakeholders to benefit the wider small business ecosystem. |
For Business Owners. By Business Owners.
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.
Strategy Launch
Get in touch
The SFA stands as the trusted advocate for those who build jobs and drive long-term prosperity. Members gain direct access to HR experts, the DocuBuilder tool for compliant contracts, and perks designed to attract and retain talent, such as online GP appointments and financial advice for employees. Join the Small Firms Association today to access the Member Advantage Network and build valuable relationships with other like-minded business leaders.
For any questions about the SFA and our Strategy 2026 - 2029, please call us on 01 605 1776 or send us an email.
Director
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