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.
Episodes
38 episodes
Succession Planning for SMEs; Pass the baton, not the drama
As the holidays bring families together, it's the perfect time to reflect on the future—both personal and professional. In this episode of The SME Community Podcast, we dive into succession planning for small businesses. Aisling is joi...
Customer Relationships; Turning One-Time Buyers into Lifelong Customers with Cora Barnes
In this episode of The SME Community Podcast, Aisling dives into the art of building lasting customer relationships with Cora Barnes, founder and M.D. of 3Q Recruitment Agency. Discover practical strategies to keep your customers coming back, t...
Artificial Intelligence Strategies with Pamela Campagna
In this episode from Boston, USA, Aisling sits down with Pamela Campagna, where they discuss the practical, actionable strategies on using AI tools and how to begin integrating them into your business.Pamela Campagna has over 30 ye...
Women in Business | Clare Brett | National Women's Enterprise Day Special
In this episode of The SME Community Podcast, Aisling sits down with Clare Brett, the founder of natural skincare specialist manufacturer, Dublin Herbalist. Clare is a guest at the upcoming NWED event on the 17th of October. Dublin ...
Protecting Intellectual Property in SMEs | Dr Nadav Ben Haim (SETU)
In this episode of The SME Community Podcast, Aisling sits down with Dr. Nadav Ben Haim, the recently appointed Life Sciences Commercialisation Case Manager at the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) of South East Technological University (SETU). ...
Retail Marketing Strategies for SMEs | Eimear Dwan
The retail landscape and customer behaviours, both online and in stores, have dramatically shifted over the past few years, placing significant demands upon retailers. They are having to innovate faster and increase buyer engagement while also ...
How SMEs Can Attract & Retain Great Talent | Sinead Heneghan
2023 has been designated European Year of Skills by the EU Commission. In advance of the LEO Tipperary event on Thursday the 15th of November - How to Grow Local Talent, Aisling speaks with Sinead Heneghan of Landdi.ie about a huge issue amongs...
How SMEs Can Use Artificial Intelligence Responsibly | Geraldine Magnier
If you are wondering where to start with AI, or what it’s all about, this is the episode for you. Aisling talks to Geraldine Magnier of Idiro Analytics, pioneers of AI and analytics for over 20 years. From crafting an AI policy, ethical ...
Exporting & Cross-Border Business Growth for SMEs | InterTradeIreland
Thinking about exporting but not sure where to start?Many SMEs don't realise that significant opportunities exist to grow their business across the island of Ireland, with practical support available to help reduce risk and open n...
Business Finance & Financial Leadership for SMEs | Sir Steven Wilkinson
How confident are you in making financial decisions for your business? In this episode, Aisling speaks with Sir Steven Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Good & Prosper, about why financial fluency is one of the most important skills for ...
How SMEs Can Use the Irish Language in Business | Gráinne Moore
Could introducing the Irish language help your business stand out?In this episode, Aisling speaks with Gráinne Moore about the growing role of the Irish language in business, branding and customer engagement. As interest in Irish ...
Business Process Automation & Lean Thinking for SMEs | Dermot Freeman
Are your business processes slowing you down?In this episode, Aisling speaks with Dermot Freeman, an expert in Lean, business process improvement and digital transformation, about how SMEs can streamline operations, eliminate wast...
Protecting Your Ideas: Intellectual Property for SMEs | Liam Birkett
Could your business already own valuable intellectual property without realising it?In this episode, Aisling speaks with branding and intellectual property expert Liam Birkett about how SMEs can identify, protect and commercialise...
Lean Business & Digital Transformation for SMEs | Audrey McDonnell & Allyson English
Looking for ways to improve productivity, reduce waste and grow your business?In this episode, Aisling speaks with Audrey McDonnell of Sola and Allyson English of Jigsaw Better Business Solutions about how Lean thinking and digita...
How SMEs Can Become More Sustainable | John Butler
Customers, funders and supply chains increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. But where should an SME begin?In this episode, Aisling explores how small businesses can become more sustainabl...
How Innovation Vouchers Help SMEs Develop New Products & Services
Innovation isn't just for large companies. Some of the world's most successful businesses started with a single idea and the right support.In this episode, Aisling explores how innovation support can help SMEs develop new products...
Building an Online Presence for SMEs | Websites, Digital Marketing & Growth
Thinking about improving your business online?Note: The Trading Online Voucher programme discussed in this episode has now concluded. This episode is retained as part of the podcast archive because the advice on website...
Tipperary Food Producers | Innovation, Farming & Artisan Food
What does it take to build a successful artisan food business?In this episode, Aisling speaks with Veronica Molloy of Crossogue Preserves, Shannon Forrest of Rivesci and Kylie Magner of Magners Organic Farm and Mobile Hen about th...
Public Relations & Media Strategy for SMEs | Conall O'Morain
How do you get your business noticed without spending a fortune on advertising?In this episode, Aisling speaks with renowned business broadcaster and journalist Conall O'Moráin about the power of public relations (PR) and how SMEs...
Circular Economy & Sustainable Business for SMEs
What exactly is the circular economy—and why should SMEs care?In this episode, Aisling explores how small businesses can become more sustainable by embracing circular economy principles, reducing waste and making better use of res...
Archive Episode: Preparing SMEs for Brexit & Supply Chain Change
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 pr...
From Student Enterprise to SME Success
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...
Legal Essentials for SMEs | Employment Law, Contracts & Intellectual Property with Wendy Doyle
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 prac...
GDPR Made Simple for SMEs | Data Protection with Rosemary Kearney
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 o...
How Qualitative Research Helps Businesses Make Better Decisions | Robin Challis
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 inclu...