Exporting Success for Fingal’s Small Businesses – A Gateway to Global Growth

On Friday, 26th September 2025, the Fingal Business Network hosted a dynamic morning event at the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown, focused on helping local SMEs explore and embrace international growth opportunities.

The event, titled Exporting Success for Fingal’s Small Businesses - A Gateway to Global Growth, brought together business owners, entrepreneurs, and support agencies for a morning of expert-led insights, practical guidance, and tailored supports for entering export markets. Speakers shared a range of strategies and resources available to help small businesses take their first steps toward international growth. Attendees contributed actively by posing thoughtful questions and exploring potential challenges they might face - fostering a collaborative atmosphere focused on solutions and shared learning.

Opening Remarks and Expert Insights

The morning began with tea, coffee, and open networking, followed by a welcome from Deirdre Carroll, Senior Enterprise Development Executive at Fingal Local Enterprise Office. As the lead behind the Fingal Business Network and many other enterprise initiatives, Deirdre set the tone for the morning by encouraging businesses to think globally while leveraging the strong local supports available.

Attendees then heard from a panel of expert speakers who offered valuable perspectives on exporting:

• Dr. Colm Reilly (OCO Global) opened the session with an overview of global trends and opportunities for Irish SMEs, highlighting how businesses can position themselves for success in international markets.

• Anne-Marie McAteer (InterTradeIreland) spoke about the agency’s unique role in identifying opportunities between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. She emphasized that cross-border trade offers an excellent entry point into export markets and outlined supports that help SMEs build capability and confidence.

• Jason Gaynor (Enterprise Ireland) introduced the Get Exporting programme, aimed at early-stage exporters. He spoke about EI’s mission and vision, explained how the programme supports companies in validating their in-market potential, and outlined the eligibility criteria for participation.

• Andrew O’Rourke (LEO Fingal), alongside Deirdre Carroll, presented the Market Explorer Grant, which provides up to €10,000 in funding to help SMEs research and validate potential international markets. Andy described the grant's objectives, eligibility criteria, and how funds are typically allocated. He extended an open invitation to interested businesses to contact him directly for more information.

• Aoife Gannon (OCO Global) encouraged businesses to take their first steps towards exporting and shared how OCO supports companies in identifying and entering new markets.

Interactive Learning and Networking Opportunities

A key feature of the event was the “Export Ready” self-assessment exercise, which gave participants the opportunity to reflect on their current export potential and identify next steps for growth.

Throughout the morning, Colm Reilly also sparked an engaging and interactive discussion by posing insightful questions and responding from a real-world, practitioner’s perspective. His input helped demystify the export journey, offering attendees a clearer picture of what exporting looks like in practice.

Closing Reflections

The event was brought to a close by Oisín Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise at Fingal, who encouraged businesses to be bold in exploring new markets - but also to be strategic and well-prepared. He reminded attendees that success in exporting isn’t just about ambition, but about understanding your target market, adapting your offer, and making informed decisions that increase your chances of long-term success.

Key Themes and Takeaways

• Exporting is achievable for SMEs with the right support and preparation.

• Cross-border trade with Northern Ireland offers a strategic entry point for new exporters.

• Market Explorer Grant is a valuable tool for exploring international markets - more information is available by contacting andrew.orourke@leo.fingal.ie or info@leo.fingal.ie or calling  01 890 0800.

• Collaboration, inter-agency support, and peer learning are essential for building export confidence.

• Mentioned programmes and grants play a vital role in helping SMEs enter and thrive in global markets.

Looking Ahead

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the relevance of the content, the quality of the speakers, and the value of the networking opportunities. The event served as a timely reminder of the ambition and potential within Fingal’s business community.

As Fingal Local Enterprise Office continues to support SMEs on their growth journey, events like this play a vital role in building a globally minded, resilient, and connected business network.

That’s why the LEO Fingal team is already preparing the next Fingal Business Network event for this December. Make sure to subscribe to our eZine to stay updated and reserve your spot in advance.