Archive Episode: This conversation was recorded in November 2020 while Brexit negotiations were still ongoing. Although the negotiations have concluded, many of the discussions around supply chains, customs, exporting and business preparedness remain relevant for SMEs trading internationally.

How do major political and economic changes affect small businesses?

This archive episode was recorded during the final weeks of the Brexit negotiations in November 2020 and captures the uncertainty businesses faced as they prepared for significant changes to trading arrangements. Aisling speaks with Ronan McDonnell of The Logistics Consultants about supply chains, customs, importing, exporting and practical steps SMEs could take to prepare for Brexit. Ronan shares insights from his work supporting businesses across the island of Ireland through programmes delivered with InterTradeIreland, Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices. Although Brexit has since been implemented, many of the lessons around business resilience, international trade and supply chain planning continue to be valuable for SMEs.

You can reach LEO Tipperary on localenteprise.ie Tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel or follow them on Twitter @TipperaryLEO.  

You can talk to TBF  on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or at https://tbf.ie.

Suggest a topic for a future episode.

The SME Community Podcast is produced by TBF Innovation Lab and hosted by Aisling Hurley.

Each episode shares practical conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, research and business growth to help SMEs, founders and business leaders innovate with confidence.

🌐 Website: https://tbf.ie

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/

Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie

Can a school enterprise project become a real business?

In this episode, Aisling explores how a Transition Year Student Enterprise evolved into a successful SME supplying one of Ireland's largest agricultural organisations. Joining the conversation are Bronwyn April, an entrepreneurship and youth development specialist from South Africa, and the founders of J & D Engineering, who transformed their Student Enterprise project into a thriving business. The discussion explores entrepreneurship education, mentoring, innovation, resilience and the support available to help young entrepreneurs turn ideas into commercial success. Whether you're a student, educator, parent or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode demonstrates how practical enterprise education can create real business opportunities.

 You can find out more about the Student Enterprise Programme by contacting LEO Tipperary on Twitter @TipperaryLEO.  

You can talk to  TBF  on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or at https://tbf.ie.

Suggest a topic for a future episode.

The SME Community Podcast is produced by TBF Innovation Lab and hosted by Aisling Hurley.

Each episode shares practical conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, research and business growth to help SMEs, founders and business leaders innovate with confidence.

🌐 Website: https://tbf.ie

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/

Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie

Every small business needs good legal foundations—but many business owners don't know where to start.

In this episode, Aisling speaks with solicitor and registered Trade Mark Attorney Wendy Doyle, founder of a specialist legal practice supporting SMEs across Ireland. Drawing on her experience working with both major corporate firms and small businesses, Wendy explains the legal issues every entrepreneur should understand, including employment law, intellectual property, trade marks, contracts, workplace disputes and protecting your business as it grows. Whether you're launching a new business or managing an established SME, this episode provides practical legal guidance to help you reduce risk, protect your ideas and make informed business decisions.

You can talk to TBF  on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or at https://tbf.ie.

Suggest a topic for a future episode.

The SME Community Podcast is produced by TBF Innovation Lab and hosted by Aisling Hurley.

Each episode shares practical conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, research and business growth to help SMEs, founders and business leaders innovate with confidence.

🌐 Website: https://tbf.ie

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/

Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie

GDPR doesn't have to be confusing. Every business that collects customer data has legal responsibilities,but compliance can be much simpler than many business owners think. In this episode, Aisling speaks with Rosemary Kearney, founder of RMDK Consultancy and a specialist in GDPR and data protection for SMEs. Together they explore what GDPR really means for small businesses, how to protect customer information, website privacy considerations, cookies, marketing consent, data security and practical steps every organisation should take to remain compliant. Rosemary explains GDPR in straightforward language, helping business owners understand their obligations without unnecessary legal jargon. Whether you're running a website, collecting customer information, building an email list or using digital marketing tools, this episode offers practical guidance to help protect both your customers and your business.

You can talk to TBF  on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or at https://tbf.ie.

Suggest a topic for a future episode.

The SME Community Podcast is produced by TBF Innovation Lab and hosted by Aisling Hurley.

Each episode shares practical conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, research and business growth to help SMEs, founders and business leaders innovate with confidence.

🌐 Website: https://tbf.ie

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/

Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie

Why do some products succeed while others fail? The answer often starts with understanding people.

In this episode, Aisling speaks with qualitative market research specialist Robin Challis, whose work has helped global brands including Kellogg's, Cadbury and Yakult better understand their customers. Together they explore how qualitative research uncovers customer motivations, behaviours, perceptions and decision-making—insights that surveys and statistics alone often miss. The conversation covers focus groups, interviews, consumer behaviour, brand positioning, product development and why listening to customers remains one of the most valuable investments any business can make. Whether you're launching a new product, developing a service, testing an idea or simply trying to understand your customers better, this episode offers practical insights into the power of qualitative research.

You can talk to TBF  on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or at https://tbf.ie.

Suggest a topic for a future episode.

The SME Community Podcast is produced by TBF Innovation Lab and hosted by Aisling Hurley.

Each episode shares practical conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, research and business growth to help SMEs, founders and business leaders innovate with confidence.

🌐 Website: https://tbf.ie

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/

Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie

n this highlights episode, Aisling revisits some of the most practical insights from the podcast's early episodes, answering common questions from entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Topics include:

• Business support available for SMEs
 • Building a strong value proposition
 • Understanding basic business economics
 • Business finance and Microfinance Ireland
 • Mortgage switching for business owners
 • Overcoming self-doubt when starting or growing a business

Whether you're launching a new venture or looking for practical business advice, this episode provides a useful introduction to many of the themes explored throughout the podcast. Browse the full archive for in-depth conversations on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, AI, marketing, sustainability, finance and business growth.

You can talk to TBF  on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or at https://tbf.ie.

Suggest a topic for a future episode.

The SME Community Podcast is produced by TBF Innovation Lab and hosted by Aisling Hurley.

Each episode shares practical conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, research and business growth to help SMEs, founders and business leaders innovate with confidence.

🌐 Website: https://tbf.ie

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/

Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie

Want to turn your expertise into an online course or training business?

In this episode, Aisling speaks with online learning expert Johnny Beirne, who has helped coaches, consultants, trainers and business owners successfully create, launch and sell online courses for over a decade. Together they discuss the tools, platforms and strategies needed to deliver professional online training, automate parts of your business and create scalable digital learning experiences.

The conversation covers:

• Creating and selling online courses
 • Learning Management Systems (LMS)
 • Automating customer journeys and email marketing
 • Online payments and digital products
 • Membership sites and online programmes
 • Growing a training or consultancy business online

Whether you're a consultant, educator, coach, entrepreneur or business owner looking to diversify your income through online learning, this episode provides practical advice to help you get started.

You can talk to Tipperary Local Enterprise Office on Instagram and Twitter at @LEOTipperary.

  You can talk to TBF  on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or at https://tbf.ie.

Suggest a topic for a future episode.

The SME Community Podcast is produced by TBF Innovation Lab and hosted by Aisling Hurley.

Each episode shares practical conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, research and business growth to help SMEs, founders and business leaders innovate with confidence.

🌐 Website: https://tbf.ie

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/

Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie

How do you find new customers when your existing market changes?

In this episode, Aisling speaks with sales and business development expert Terry Harmer about identifying new market opportunities, adapting your sales strategy and growing your business during periods of uncertainty and change. Drawing on decades of experience working with SMEs, Enterprise Ireland and leading international organisations, Terry shares practical techniques for market analysis, customer targeting and business growth.

Topics include:

•  Finding new markets and customer segments 
•  Using PESTLE analysis to identify opportunities 
•  Sales strategy and business development 
•  Market research and customer needs 
•  Adapting to changing economic conditions 
•  Practical tools for SME growth 

Whether you're launching a new product, entering a new market or looking to diversify your customer base, this episode provides practical strategies to help you identify new opportunities.

Originally recorded during a period of significant economic disruption, the principles discussed remain highly relevant for businesses navigating change. Sponsored by LEO Tipperary.

You can talk to TBF  on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or at https://tbf.ie.

Suggest a topic for a future episode.

The SME Community Podcast is produced by TBF Innovation Lab and hosted by Aisling Hurley.

Each episode shares practical conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, research and business growth to help SMEs, founders and business leaders innovate with confidence.

🌐 Website: https://tbf.ie

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/

Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie

Need funding to start or grow your business?

In this episode, Aisling speaks with Garrett Stokes, Chief Executive of Microfinance Ireland, about the funding options available to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The conversation explains how Microfinance Ireland supports SMEs that may find it difficult to access traditional bank finance, including who can apply, the application process and practical advice for preparing a strong funding proposal.

Topics include:

•  Business finance for SMEs 
•  Start-up funding 
•  Business loans 
•  Accessing finance in Ireland 
•  Preparing a successful funding application 
•  Financial planning for business growth 

Whether you're launching a new business, investing in growth or exploring alternative sources of finance, this episode provides practical guidance to help you understand your funding options.

Please note that funding schemes, eligibility criteria and application processes may have changed since this episode was recorded. Always refer to the latest guidance from Microfinance Ireland.

You can contact Microfinance Ireland  at https://microfinanceireland.ie/

Sponsored by LEO Tipperary

You can talk to TBF  on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or at https://tbf.ie.

Suggest a topic for a future episode.

The SME Community Podcast is produced by TBF Innovation Lab and hosted by Aisling Hurley.

Each episode shares practical conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, research and business growth to help SMEs, founders and business leaders innovate with confidence.

🌐 Website: https://tbf.ie

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/

Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie

How do successful businesses adapt when markets, technology and customer expectations change?

In this episode, Aisling speaks with business consultant Geraldine Lavin about how SMEs can respond to uncertainty, embrace innovation and build resilience for long-term growth. Drawing on her experience working with organisations including Trinity College Dublin, DCU Ryan Academy, Local Enterprise Offices and SOLAS, Geraldine shares practical insights into business strategy, innovation, customer experience, continuous learning and developing the mindset needed to thrive in changing environments.

Topics include:

•  Business innovation 
•  Strategic planning 
•  Customer experience 
•  Business resilience 
•  Upskilling and lifelong learning 
•  Leadership during change 
•  Identifying new business opportunities 

Whether you're responding to changing markets, adopting new technologies or planning your next stage of growth, this episode provides practical ideas to help your business remain adaptable and future-ready.

You can contact Geraldine on Twitter at @GeraldineLavin.

You can talk to TBF  on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or at https://tbf.ie.

Suggest a topic for a future episode.

The SME Community Podcast is produced by TBF Innovation Lab and hosted by Aisling Hurley.

Each episode shares practical conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, research and business growth to help SMEs, founders and business leaders innovate with confidence.

🌐 Website: https://tbf.ie

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/

Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie