Making use of digital technologies will help small Irish businesses grow

Elizabeth Bowen

Public Affairs Lead, Small Firms Association

Digital technologies have the power to transform small businesses, opening new opportunities that were previously only available to businesses of scale. 

Embracing digital technologies is crucial for small firms as the Irish economy transitions to net zero and aims to boost productivity amongst employers and provide high-quality jobs and employment opportunities for people to live and succeed in all regions.

How digital technologies can help 

Entrepreneurs and small business owners can harness digital technologies in many ways – from simply going online to the digitalisation of products and business processes, to facilitating exporting and utilising digital technologies to develop new markets and business models.

The Covid-19 pandemic was a catalyst for small businesses to adopt or increase their use of digital technologies. To build on this and remain competitive, the Irish government must find new ways to boost digital growth for small businesses through increased investment in grants and consultancy, digital skills training and education for the entire workforce. All of which must be accompanied by efforts to improve broadband capacity throughout the country.

Sustained investment in a business’s digital infrastructure — including cybersecurity — is essential to protect companies, customers and data.

Ensuring safety with digital technologies

Sustained investment in a business’s digital infrastructure — including cybersecurity — is essential to protect companies, customers and data. In 2022, the National Cyber Security Centre and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau observed a trend of small and medium-sized businesses being increasingly targeted by ransomware groups.

A recent SFA survey found that when it comes to protecting customers’ data and preventing ransomware attacks or other cybersecurity breaches, younger and smaller businesses with 0–9 employees see themselves as being the least competent.

Older businesses of 21+ years and those with over 50 employees are over 10% more competent than younger businesses. While understanding of how to manage these challenges increases in line with the maturity of the business, these figures are concerning, as the majority of businesses in Ireland employ less than 10 employees.

Using practical business tools

Both the National Cyber Security Centre and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau have the resources to address cyber risk and protect systems from cyber threats such as ransomware. Business owners can also access free upskilling in digital and automation through MentorsWork delivered by the Small Firms Association.

With one-to-one mentoring sessions, peer-focused workshops, expert-led masterclasses and an online learning platform, small businesses can learn how to move their business and marketing online, building virtual communities and automating day-to-day tasks.