The SME Community Podcast
The SME Community Podcast is the podcast for ambitious SME owners, entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders looking for practical insights to grow, adapt and innovate.
Hosted by Aisling Hurley, design-led innovation researcher, lecturer and founder of TBF Innovation Lab, each episode features honest conversations with entrepreneurs, researchers, industry experts, educators and changemakers shaping the future of business. Together, we explore innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence (AI), digital marketing, leadership, sustainability, business strategy, design thinking, research and the real challenges of building successful organisations.
Whether you're starting a business, scaling an SME, leading innovation, navigating digital transformation or looking for practical advice from people who've been there, you'll discover inspiring stories, expert insights and actionable ideas you can apply immediately.
Originally created in partnership with Local Enterprise Office Tipperary, The SME Community Podcast is now proudly produced by TBF Innovation Lab, bringing together conversations with innovators, founders, academics, policymakers and business leaders from Ireland and beyond.
If you're interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence for business, SME growth, innovation leadership, design-led innovation, responsible innovation and the future of work, subscribe and join the conversation.
Visit https://tbf.ie for free business resources, research, training, innovation tools and professional development.
The SME Community Podcast
Microfinance Ireland | Funding Options for SMEs
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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: aisling@tbf.ie
Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/
Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie
