Small firms’ leaders brave the wind and rain to gather for largest business networking event in Ireland
Thursday, 5th February 2026 – Despite adverse weather, Ireland’s top entrepreneurs where among 450 people gathered for the annual Small Firms Association’s Business Connect event, in partnership with Vodafone, at Killashee Hotel, in Naas today. It was the third consecutive year that the event has taken place in County Kildare. The event is a unique opportunity for the small business community to network, learn and get inspired. Business Connect was opened by local TD, James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The issues discussed at the event are as follows:
- Managing risk and leveraging debt for growth
- Digital - Integrating Digital Solutions for Efficiency
- Supply Chain - Breaking into Big Procurement Networks
- Wellbeing and Mental Health for Business Owners
The featured address was delivered by musician and mental health advocate Niall Breslin (Bressie) which focussed on the wellbeing of Ireland’s small business owners. Business Connect was hosted by journalists Richard Curran which also featured presentations and panel discussions from Ireland’s leading business experts.
In her address to delegates, Geraldine Magnier, SFA Chair and CEO of Idiro Analytics said:
“As stated in our recently published three-year strategy, I think an additional focus the needs to be on our small business owners is paramount. Without the small business owner, without their dedication, risk taking and hard work, there are no small businesses. The ongoing success of the Business Connect event reflects the desire of small business owners to network, inform and learn from each other.”
In his opening address, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland, James Lawless, TD said:
“It is encouraging to see so many entrepreneurs gathered in Kildare to engage, network and learn from each other. Our small business owners are the heart of our communities and are the backbone of our economy. The Government has prioritised the challenges facing the small business community which is guided by our enterprise-friendly Programme for Government. I look forward to continuing my engagements with the Small Firms Association as we work to make Ireland the best small country to do business in.”
Commenting on the event’s themes, SFA Director David Broderick said:
“The issues related to access to large supply chains, well-being, managing risk and digital solutions are on the forefront of the minds of business owners. This conference aims to inform and advise small business leaders about overcoming these challenges from our expert presenters and panellists at a time of economic uncertainty.”
The speakers, sessions and panel discussions for the event are as follows:
- Welcome address - Geraldine Magnier, SFA Chair & Co-Founder. Idiro Analytics
- Opening Address - James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland
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.
Presentation:
- Eoin McGee Financial Planner, Radio & TV Broadcaster, Author, Columnist and Podcast Host
Panel:
- Eoin McGee
- Greg Hogan, Head of Corporate Finance, Azets
- Helen Cahill, CEO of Financefair
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.
Presentation:
- Lynsey Sweeney, Head of SMB Sales, Digital Sales at Vodafone Ireland
Panel:
- Lynsey Sweeney
- Laura Clifford, Senior Programme Manager, European Digital Innovation Hubs (Ireland)
- Louise O'Conor, Founding Partner, Rethink Digital Advisory
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.
Presentation:
- Mike McGrath, CEO Kwayga
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.
Keynote:
- Presentation by Niall Breslin (Bressie), Mental Health Advocate
Closing Remarks:
- David Broderick, SFA Director
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- SFA Director David Broderick is available for interviews and additional comment.
- For media queries please contact Jonathan McDade at 087 625 3551 and jonathan.mcdade@sfa.ie
- Photos of the event will be sent by photographer Conor McCabe.
- The Small Firms Association proudly represents a diverse membership of businesses with less than 50 employees: homegrown and spanning every sector of the economy with members found in every town and every city in Ireland.
