- Impressive line-up of Speakers
- Meet the SFA National Business Finalists 2021
The Small Firms Association flagship event Business Connect is taking place this year as an online event from a live studio on February 11th. This is the fourth consecutive Business Connect event which last year attracted over 400 delegates to Aviva Stadium.
Hosted by renowned business broadcaster and journalist Richard Curran, this event will shine a light on Ireland’s unique ecosystem where small and large firms often compete for contracts, talent, government and media attention. Equally, they also thrive from each other. Delegates will hear from large organisations on what they look for in partners; small companies will get insights on how to win big contracts, and from organisations and agencies that can provide support for collaboration.
A mix of delegates representing small and large organisations will attend Business Connect, including 50 of Ireland’s best in small business who are finalists in the SFA National Small Business Awards 2021. These companies will showcase in a virtual exhibition space along with awards supporters: Bord Bia; Cisco; Enterprise Ireland; PermanentTSB; Microsoft; NSAI, .IE, One4All, DeCare, SBCI and Skillnet Ireland.
Sven Spollen Behrens, Director of SFA said: “Due to Covid restrictions, Business Connect 2021 will be a virtual event. However, tour event will include every element from previous years. We have a wonderful list of speakers and panellists and plenty of opportunity to network and visit many exhibiting companies at their virtual stands. Business Connect is free of charge to attend for the first time. Delegates wishing to attend should register at www.sfa.ie.”
Business Connect will start at 8.00am with networking and the Conference will start at 9.00am sharp until 1.30pm. As well as learning lots of ideas from the excellent panel of speakers, there will be ample time for networking throughout the event.
Business Connect – Agenda – February 11th
08.00 Networking Session – Exhibition open
09.00 Welcome – Richard Curran
09.05 Opening Remarks– Graham Byrne, SFA Chairman and CEO Flender Ireland
Sharon Higgins, Director of Member Services, Ibec
09.20 Re-setting the Dial for 2021
Dr Colman Noctor, Consultant Psychotherapist, Reboarding post Covid-19 and developing digital resilience in an era of technology and anxiety.
10.00 Networking Session & Exhibition open
10.15 Adapting for Business in a virtual world
Alan Wyley, Chief Commercial Officer, Luzern Solutions
Joanne Charles, Head of Commercial & Small Business, Cisco Systems
Cathy McGovern, Director, Inspiration Marketing
11.15 Networking Session & Exhibition open
11.40 Winning with Big Business
Noel Keeley, CEO, Musgrave Group
Panel
Chris Mitchell, Co-founder, Green Angel Skincare
Dom McGroddy, MD, Lily’s Tea
Brian Fitzpatrick, MD, Oriel Sea Salt
Michael Ferncombe, Business Development Manager, Borrisoleigh Bottling
12.20 Looking for Money?
Eoin McGee, Broadcaster, How to be Good with Money
Dos and don’ts when applying for finance
Panel
John Madigan, Head of Marketing and Research, SBCI
Eoghan Hanrahan, Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland
Garrett Stokes, CEO, Microfinance Ireland
Mags Brennan, Head of Business Banking, PermanentTSB
1.00 Closing Remarks – Networking session and Exhibition open
1.30 Networking Closes