SFA Message from the SFA


Even though we still face many business challenges,we need to focus on and celebrate the achievements of small businesses in Ireland and recognise the vital contribution of the small- business sector to the Irish economy. Irish owner managers need to unite and come


together as one voice to gain support and proclaim how entrepreneurs and small businesses are both different and important. Entrepreneurs are important because they create jobs. Small businesses are different because they aremanaged by people who take risks. The SFA Annual Conference on 16 September


will be sending a clear message from the small- business sector to all aspects of Irish society, calling them to action. We will call on the Government, political leaders, financial inst- itutions, businesses and consumers to show their support for the small-business community and to show that they support the dreams and hopes of owner managers for their businesses into the future. We need acceptance from the Government,


banks, media and society generally that entrepreneurs who take risks are our future – they must be encouraged. For Ireland to prosper, it is vitally important


that we generate a new breed of entrepreneur – that is why the SFA is calling on theMinister for Enterprise, Trade & Innovation to develop a national entrepreneurship strategy. It is essential that we target under-represented groups of nascent entrepreneurs, including younger people, women and immigrants. To celebrate the achievements of small


businesses, the SFA National Small Business Awards 2011,now entering their seventh year,will again showcase Ireland’s entrepreneurial talent. The patron, An Taoiseach Brian Cowen TD, launched the Awards on 1 September and stated that they acknowledged the important role small businesses have to play in leading our return to economic growth and job creation. Last year’s finalists showed the resilience and adaptability of small firms and how they can excel even in a difficult trading environment. Log on to www.sfa.ie/awards for full details on the entry criteria and the prize package on offer and visit our page on Facebook.


AvineMcNally Acting director Small Firms Association


Benefits of membership of the SFA


> Advice and assistance fromthe SFA Our most popular service, with 60,000 con-


tacts a year.We offer professional advice and consultation to members on everything from employment law to debt management as part of the membership fee.


> SFAwebsite ––www.sfa.ie A comprehensive range of information and


services is available in the members’ section of the website.


> SFANational Small BusinessAwards Small businesses compete to be awarded one


of six category titles as well as the Overall National Small Business of the Year award. These awards give companies the opportunity to: think strategically about their business; have their business plan reviewed by independ- ent experts; market their company through


6OWNER MANAGER VOL 3 ISSUE 4 2010


broad media coverage; and recognise the achievements of their team to date. See www.sfa.ie/awards.


> SFA National Centre of Excellence (NCE) Providing SME owner managers and their


senior management team with high-end training and development. See www.centreofexcellence.ie.


> Briefing sessions Held throughout Ireland on key issues, from


employment law to public procurement.


> Range of member publications A whole range of publications free to


members, covering various aspects of business, including a free copy of Owner Manager magazine.


> Members-to-members business evenings Regular informal events formembers and guests


to network and develop business contacts.


> Annual conference and annual lunch These major events offer owner managers an


opportunity to hear expert speakers, meet business colleagues, exchange views and learn from each other’s experiences.


> SFAsurveys/reports To assist us in informing the media and


lobbying to the Government, the SFA carries out a whole range of regular surveys and reports on the SME sector.


> Members’ group discount schemes As business costs increase, the SFA offers a


range of discount schemes for member companies.


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