Host Sonya Lennon is joined by David Broderick, Director of the Small Firms Association for the first episode of the Champion Green Podcast. They talk about how to make the Irish economy and society better by supporting our own and ask how we can change the dynamic of the economy to favour local business and encourage people to do that.

David explains the importance of small businesses; how 98% of all businesses are considered small business (less than 50 employees) and that they employ just under half of the private work force in Ireland. Sonya reminds listeners that research has shown how every €10 spent with an indigenous business creates €50 in the ripple effect around that business, keeping the money in the country and multiplying it!

Described as a vibrant yet vulnerable part of society, David outlines the challenges faced by small businesses recently, such as the energy crisis, the right to request to work from home, statutory sick pay and auto-enrolment of pensions and why they need the support of the local community and Government to keep going. The two, both with their own business backgrounds chat about the importance of help, support and networking. David runs through what supports a membership to SFA gets you. He also discusses their mentorship programme and small business awards.

Resources mentioned

Small Firms Association https://www.ibec.ie/sfa

Skillnet: https://www.skillnetireland.ie/

Enterprise Ireland https://www.enterprise.ie/

Small Firms Association business awards https://www.ibec.ie/sfa/campaigns/sfa-business-awards

Small Firms mentor programme https://www.ibec.ie/sfa/campaigns/mentorswork

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