A NEW BREED OF ENTREPRENEUR
However, this will only be possible if the small-business environment is supported and encourages success. In partic- ular, our entrepreneurs need to have the right conditions to develop and launch their products and have the right fiscal and administrative environment in order to encourage reinvestment of their gains when they are successful. This can be achieved by the removal of current obstacles to
enterprise-driven activity and arranging for appropriate forms of financial support and technical support; however, it also requires the backing of those bodies and organisations that work with enterprises. For Ireland as a country to prosper, it is vitally important
that we generate a new breed of entrepreneur. That is why the SFA is calling on the Minister for Enterprise, Trade &
small-business closures and 160,000 jobs lost as a result. NAMA, while important in restoring capital to the banks
and thus improving their liquidity position, has not directly improved lending to small businesses, where it is the assess- ment of ‘business viability’ that is the key decision factor. The establishment of the Credit Review Office, the inde-
pendent review process for SMEs whose formal applications for credit facilities have been declined by a credit institution, is welcome, but it is important to note that the review body has no power to instruct the bank to lend even where its decision is that the bank was wrong to turn down the credit application in the first place. Therefore, I strongly believe that in these situations, theGov-
ernmentmust be willing to step in itself and secure the business and the jobs in it through a direct government-backed loan-
SPEAKING AT THE SFA CONFERENCE ARE: AIDAN O’BOYLE, AISLING HURLEY, DYLAN COLLINS, DARREN GRANT, RICHARD CURRAN AND EMER KENNEDY
Innovation to develop a national entrepreneurship strategy. It is essential that we target under-represented groups of nas- cent entrepreneurs, including younger people, women and immigrants. To deliver a new national entreprenureship strategy, it is
vitally important that the Government’s own enterprise sup- port infrastructure be allowed to do its job. It is a concern that reports indicate that due to the financial
difficulties facing the Exchequer, the activities of these agencies will be curtailed.TheGovernmentmust realise that in order to reap the benefits, it is vital to invest in the right areas now.For individual companies staying positive and being able to seek the necessary advice is vital in the months ahead. The recent past has shown that encouraging enterprise,
investment and reward for effort is essential to stimulate eco- nomic activity and employment.The formation, survival and growth of Ireland’s indigenous small businesses through the development of an enterprise culture should therefore be the Minister’s top priority.
ACCESS TO FINANCE
Akey area of discussion at the conference will be issue of credit and working capital.With one in five small businesses contin- uing to experience decreases in the availability of working cap- ital, we have a very serious problem, with potentially 50,000
guarantee scheme, which would allow the bank to reassess the risk factors, as the risk would be spread with the Government. Such schemes are already working well in practically every other OECD country. In addition, as the single biggest purchaser in the State, the
Government must lead the way in introducing a prompt pay- ment culture by extending its commitment to paying suppli- ers to central government departments, state agencies such as the Health Service Executive and local authorities in 15 days. Speakers on the day will address other areas of importance
such as the necessity of branding for a business no matter how small; whether social media increases sales or is just another fad; as well as discussing the fearless leadership owner man- agers must have in order to take tough decisions. The future must belong to those who create.We all need to
create a better future – we need to learn fromthe past, replicate the good and plan for the future.That is the future we must work for, and we must work for it together. I can promise you that this year’s Conference will be inspir-
ing, thought-provoking, informative and enjoyable.This event on 16 September is an important day for small business and will be interactive, with a range of presentations, panel discus- sions and small-business case studies. I look forward to seeing you in Dublin Castle.
VOL 3 ISSUE 4 2010 OWNER MANAGER 45
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