AI & Digital Leadership for SMEs - Monday 14th September 2026

AI & Digital Leadership for SMEs

This programme is designed to equip SME leaders with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to lead digital transformation within their organisations. With a strong focus on practical application, participants will explore how AI, automation, and data-driven approaches can enhance productivity, streamline operations, and support better decision-making.

A key feature of the programme is the opportunity for participants to design and plan their own AI-driven automation solution, tailored to their business needs. The programme combines strategic insight with hands-on learning to ensure participants leave with clear, actionable outcomes.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role of AI and digital technologies in SME growth and competitiveness
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity through AI tools and automation
• Apply data-driven approaches to support better business decision-making
• Develop a structured approach to digital transformation within their organisation
• Build and plan a practical AI or automation solution relevant to their business
• Lead and manage digital change effectively within teams

Programme Content

• AI for Productivity & Digital Foundations

A hype-free foundation in what AI is and where it genuinely adds value. Participants get hands-on with everyday tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini and Claude, learn a simple prompting framework, and complete a digital maturity self-assessment of their own business.

• AI, Automation & Data-Driven Decision Making

How automation recovers time across sales, operations, finance and marketing, and how to use the data you already hold — with AI's help — to make better decisions. Includes real Irish SME case studies and a live exercise to map and prioritise the best opportunities.

• Designing Your AI & Automation Solution

A practical working session in which each participant designs an end-to-end solution for one real process in their business — from a clear problem statement through to a costed, realistic implementation plan captured in a structured Solution Canvas.

• Leading Change with AI Co-workers

Leading digital change so that it lasts. Participants tour the latest AI “co-worker” tools, cover practical governance, acceptable-use and team adoption, and leave with a committed personal 90-day action plan.

Delivery Method

The online workshop will be delivered via Zoom. Click the link below to see how to use Zoom.

Click here in order to find out how to use Zoom