Agenda
08.00 Networking Tea/Coffee
08:50 Welcome: Geraldine Magnier, SFA Chair & Co-Founder. Idiro Analytics
09:00 Opening Address: Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Small Business
Session One: Finance – Managing risk and leveraging debt for growth
This session explores how small business owners can use finance strategically to fuel growth while managing risk. Learn how to assess and control financial risk, make informed borrowing decisions, and use debt as a tool—not a burden. Practical insights and real-world examples will help you strengthen cash flow, improve resilience, and support sustainable business expansion.
09:15 Presentation: Eoin McGee Financial Planner, Radio & TV Broadcaster, Author, Columnist and Podcast Host.
09:30 Panel:
- Eoin McGee
- Greg Hogan, Head of Corporate Finance, Azets
- Helen Cahill
Session Two: Digital - Integrating Digital Solutions for Efficiency
This session focuses on how small business owners can use digital tools to streamline operations and boost efficiency. Discover practical ways to integrate digital solutions across finance, marketing, and day-to-day processes, while also learning about the supports, grants, and advisory services available to help you adopt new technologies. Gain insights to save time, reduce costs, and scale with confidence.
10:00 Presentation: Lynsey Sweeney, Head of SMB Sales, Digital Sales at Vodafone Ireland
10:30 Panel:
- Lynsey Sweeney
- Laura Clifford, Senior Programme Manager, European Digital Innovation Hubs (Ireland)
- Louise O'Conor, Founding Partner, Rethink Digital Advisory
11:00 Tea/Coffee Networking
Session Three: Supply Chain - Breaking into Big Procurement Networks
This session helps small business owners understand how to access and succeed in large procurement and supply chain networks. Learn what big buyers look for, how to meet procurement requirements, and hear firsthand about small business experiences, practical challenges, and strategies for building credibility and winning opportunities.
11:30 Presentation: Mike McGrath, CEO Kwayga.com
11:45 Panel:
- Mike McGrath
- Caroline Horgan, CEO Scatter Box
- Mark McKeever, Director, PwC Advisory
Session Four: Wellbeing and Mental Health for Business Owners
This session, led by renowned mental health advocate Niall Breslin, explores wellbeing and mental health specifically for business owners. Drawing on his personal journey and experience with global organisations, Niall shares practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and fostering mindfulness. Gain insights to support your mental wellbeing, improve focus, and sustain both personal and business growth.
12:15 Keynote: Presentation by Niall Breslin (Bressie), Mental Health Advocate
12:55 Closing Remarks: David Broderick, SFA Director
13:00 Lunch