Limerick's Engine building to power new hands-on programme for SME owners

A NEW programme aimed at owners of small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is to take place in Limerick.

The Engine building in Cecil Street is driving the new hands-on programme designed to equip leaders of SMEs with the tools, frameworks and peer support to accelerate innovation, competitiveness and growth.

The programme is limited to just 12 businesses though, so those who are interested are urged to get their skates on!

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The programme is being held in a hybrid format, which means some will take place in person, and the remainder virtually, on the internet.

The in-person sessions take place at The Engine building, as referenced above, and will be supplemented by online masterclasses.

Each participating firm will complete the programme with a tailored roadmap.

It is hoped it will bring a strengthened leadership entrepreneurial capability and a 90-day execution plan tied directly to live business projects.

Participation is fully funded for the selected companies, and the programme will run from October to December this year.

Curriculum modules will cover innovation foundations, design thinking, business model innovation, AI transformation for small firms.

On top of this, leadership and culture is on the agenda.

Participants will receive individual company mentoring and a post-course toolkit.

The programme will be delivered by facilitators with an understanding of challenges faced by SMEs.

The programme consists of a two-day, in-person diagnostic workshop in early October, followed by a series of online classes.

There are then two further in-person days mid-programme, and a final integration and showcase meeting in December.

The course is designed for all SMEs, including owner-managers, founders, chief executives, senior managers and innovation leads.

It’s expected any business owner will be able to continue to run their company alongside it.

Eoin McDonnell, head of strategic programmes at Skillnet Ireland said: “The strategic innovation and entrepreneurship programme equips business leaders with the tools, mindset, and peer network to drive real change.”

Dermot Casey, chief executive of the Industry Research and Development Group, added: “In today’s challenging economic environment, Irish SMEs need practical, results-oriented solutions to stay competitive. Through our collaboration with Skillnet Ireland, this pioneering programme provides business leaders with a clear strategic roadmap, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and hands-on guidance to convert innovation into real growth for Irish enterprises.”

Applications close on September 24 next.

For more information, visit https://events.irdg.ie/SIESMEs2025#/

Alternatively, telephone 01-2079630.