A strategy for survival resilience and prosperity
- Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment Peter Burke Launched Small Firms Association Strategy
- Three-year strategy sets out key priorities for small businesses
- Focus on the well-being of small business owners
The Small Firms Association (SFA), the representative body for Ireland’s small businesses, has launched a three-year strategy document, entitled ‘Putting the Small Business Owner First’ which prioritises the needs of small business owners. The strategy was launched at the SFA’s annual masterclass weekend for SFA National Small Business Award finalists at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, Peter Burke, TD launched the strategy and addressed the SFA award finalists by stating that small businesses are a critical part of the modern, innovative economy that Ireland has created.
The strategy states that if the business owner cannot thrive, the business cannot grow which is why the strategy places owners — from startups and stay‑ups to lifestyle businesses and high‑growth firms — at its very heart. The SFA’s role is to advocate, enable and equip owners to overcome barriers, build capability, and compete effectively.
The strategy’s vision is to place Ireland’s small business owners at the heart of Government policy and Ireland’s economic success story — ensuring they can survive, grow, and thrive. The ultimate ambition of the strategy is to create an economy where indigenous small businesses can compete, improve productivity and build sustainable enterprises that benefit communities nationwide.
The SFA Strategy has been divided into 6 key pillars which features various action points and work streams within them. The pillars are as follows:
- Growth & Competitiveness
- Access to Finance
- Skills & Talent
- Digital & Productivity
- Representation & Policy Influence
- Communication & Community
Speaking at the launch of the strategy, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, Peter Burke, TD said:
“Small businesses play a vital role across the economy. They are a critical part of the modern, innovative economy that Ireland has created. We can’t forget their impact and importance through the jobs they create, the families they support, and their role in communities. I welcome the publication of the Small Firms Association’s new strategy, and I look forward to engaging with over the years ahead.”
Also, commenting on the strategy is SFA Director David Broderick:
“Today, small business owners need costs to reduce. Small business owners also need better access to finance, fewer regulations, and support for recruitment and staff retention. Amid the AI revolution, small businesses also need help to embrace digitisation and digital transformation to compete.
“This strategy is a blueprint for prosperity for the next three years. The SFA looks forward to work with key policy makers to fulfil the commitments in the current Programme for Government that will benefit small business owners. Small business owners play an integral role in our communities, and the wider economy. This strategy sets out the SFA’s plan to assist Ireland’s entrepreneurs to survive and thrive in the years to come.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
- The Small Firms Association proudly represents businesses that employ fewer than 50 employees in every town and city in Ireland.
- Please find the SFA Strategy attached.
- Images from the launch will be circulated to the picture desks by photographer Jeff Harvey.
- For additional media queries, please contact Jonathan McDade, SFA Public Affairs Lead at 087 625 3551.
