Course Details:

Time: 11am – 12.30pm

Date: Monday 4th March

Venue: Hotel Kilmore, Cavan

How micro and small businesses can introduce digital technologies in a cost-effective and accessible way. 

The Primary aim of the presentation is to equip businesses with an understanding of the practical applications Digitalization can have for small businesses.  Through an exploration of real-world examples, attendees will gain actionable insights and practical ideas into how they can introduce technologies within their operations and elevate their business.

An introduction to the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and available supports in relation to Access to Finance will also be included.

LEO Cavan will help support businesses in identifying these steps through the use of the Digital for Business Programme, which is free to qualifying businesses.

Key Highlights

1. Holistic Overview of the Digital Landscape
   • Introduction to the digital landscape, how it is useful to business, and how it can address specific business challenges
   • Address its transformative power in increasing efficiency in micro/small businesses
2. Tailored Solutions for Micro/SMEs
   • Highlight how digital technologies can create solutions to issues that are uniquely related to micro businesses.
   • Exploration of how digital implementations can be introduced and adapted as the business scales to not overwhelm key resources.
   • Emphasis on user-friendly interfaces for applications, especially for business professions who may not have a technological background.
3. Real-World Success Stories and Case Studies
   • Showcase examples of how digital technologies have been utilized and operational processes improved in businesses at a regional, national and international level.
   • Highlight key areas where applications can be introduced in common business processes such as customer service and inventory management.
   • Open discussion with participants on how they can replicate these real-life examples in their own businesses and what impacts and outcomes they could foresee.
4. Understanding How to Introduce Digitalization without a Tech Background
   • Breakdown of the barriers that attendees may believe stop them from implementing within their business, such as a lack of technical expertise.
   • Provide insights on how businesses can identify and adapt user-friendly tools and where they can obtain upskilling on each.
   • Discussion of support networks and financial supports that are available to them to assist in the adoption of these technologies.
5. Identifying and Overcoming Challenges
   • Open discussion on what attendee's feel are the greatest challenges in the adoption of Digitalization within their business.
   • Exploration of the cost associated with a variety of applications and discussion of ROI.
   • A deep dive into how attendees can curate a culture of innovation within their respective businesses by highlighting improvements in productivity, cost savings etc.
6. Overview of Accessible Digital Tools
   • Brief overview on what technologies and applications exist, cost associated, and functionality of each.
7. Action Plan for introducing Digital Tools
   • A roadmap that empowers attendees to navigate the digital landscape confidently.
   • Summary of next steps a business can take in assessing their need for digital tools within the business.

About the Speaker

Ann Shaw- Digitalisation Coach at Jigsaw Better Business

Ann's professional background is primarily in education and training, with a wealth of experience delivering courses across multiple CDETB (City of Dublin Education and Training Board) centres in Dublin and Kildare. Her expertise lies in Microsoft applications, particularly in Excel utilisation. Ann has led numerous business through their digital journey with Jigsaw Better Business, and takes particular care in ensuring the accessibility and practicality of digital intervention in every project she works on. Ann pays particular attention to the unique needs of each of her clients, coming up with a solution that fits within their particular time and financial constraints.

Additionally, Ann is highly proficient in teaching soft skills, such as QQI Communications and Customer Service with a proven track record of imparting this knowledge to apprentices in various fields, including Electrical, Plumbing, Motor, and Hairdressing.

Her dedication to education and training has been instrumental in shaping the successes of numerous businesses through the Digital for Business Program.