Momentum: Moving Your Business Forward 2nd March

• Date:  Monday 2nd March
• Time: 9:30am - 1.00pm 
• Venue: Work IQ Innovation Centre, Belgard Square North, Dublin 24, D24E1TT
• Cost: FREE

This event will showcase the range of enterprise supports available in South Dublin, while highlighting real-life success stories from businesses that have progressed through the SDCP Enterprise Programme.

Under the theme “Momentum: Moving Your Business Forward”, the event will focus on the tools, supports, and strategies that help entrepreneurs build confidence, accelerate growth, and scale sustainably.

Ideal for:

• Early-stage entrepreneurs
• Pre-start and recently established businesses
• SDCP Enterprise Programme participants and graduates
• Local SMEs seeking growth supports
• Individuals considering self-employment

The event will provide:

• Insight into LEO and SDCP enterprise supports
• Practical guidance from specialist support services (digital marketing & finance)
• Peer learning through client success stories
• A structured networking opportunity to foster collaboration and connections

Key Outcomes:

• Inspiration and motivation through lived entrepreneurial journeys
• Practical takeaways for business growth in 2026
• Strengthened local enterprise networks

Event overview

9:30am – 10.00am - Arrival, Registration, Tea / Coffee & Networking

10.00am – 10.10am – Introduction to the event, Edward Cranney, MC for the Event and Enterprise Development Officer for South Dublin County Partnership

Edward Cranney, Enterprise Development Officer

Edward Cranney is an experienced education and enterprise development professional with a strong focus on people development, training, and entrepreneurship.

He currently serves as Enterprise Development Officer with South Dublin County Partnership, where he supports individuals and early-stage entrepreneurs in navigating the business start-up process. His role includes the planning and delivery of Start Your Own Business programmes, as well as one-to-one mentoring for participants during the critical early stages of business development

10.10am – 10.20am – SDC Partnership Enterprise Supports, Simon Monds, CEO at South Dublin County Partnership.

Simon Monds, CEO at South Dublin County Partnership

10.20am – 10.30am - Local Enterprise Office Supports for Business Growth, Peter Connolly, Head of Enterprise, LEO South Dublin, LEO grants, mentoring & training supports

Peter Connolly, Head of Enterprise, LEO South Dublin

10.30am – 11.00am - Building Momentum: My Journey to Self-Employment, SDCP Enterprise Programme Graduate(s)

Topics:

• Reflections on starting out
• Challenges, supports accessed, and growth milestone

Speakers Greg Davis who is a Workplace Mental Health Specialist, Advanced Burnout & Stress Specialist, EAP & Relationship Psychotherapist

Greg Davis 

With over 15 years of experience in mental health and wellbeing, Greg has worked with corporations, universities, and healthcare organisations to improve employee wellbeing and organisational performance.

Greg helps high-functioning professionals, executives, and organisations build resilience, prevent burnout, and create mentally healthy workplaces.

With a background in psychotherapy, organisational leadership, and corporate wellbeing, Greg specialise in evidence-based mental health solutions that enhance both individual and organisational performance.

Martin Shiels

Martin is the founder and lead therapist at Limb to Limb Therapy & Recovery, a Dublin-based sports and therapeutic massage practice. Martin specialises in sports massage, deep tissue therapy, dry needling, muscle taping, and mobility-focused rehabilitation, delivering tailored, evidence-based treatments to meet individual client needs. He previously gained valuable experience working in a physiotherapy practice in Germany, which significantly contributed to his professional development and clinical approach.

Shauna Killeen

Shauna Killeen is a small business owner based in South Dublin and the founder of Cakes for Days, a bespoke bakery specialising in custom cakes and cupcakes made with high-quality ingredients. Shauna creates beautifully designed, personalised treats for all occasions, including birthdays, weddings, seasonal celebrations, and thoughtful gifts—whether it’s a special event or simply a sweet way to say thank you. Known for her attention to detail and passion for baking, she brings creativity and care to every order.

11.00am – 11.15am – Expert Guest Speakers - Joanne O'Brien - Marketing Consultant & Trainer, Managing Director of Applejack Marketing

Joanne O'Brien

Founder of a Successful digital marketing agency designed to work with SMES to improve their online presence.

Joanne has more than 20 years marketing experience at management level. A passionate digital marketer with a thorough understanding and experience of social media, content marketing, SEO, analytics, and how to generate leads, drive sales and increase brand awareness by traditional and digital marketing methods.

11.15am – 11.30am - Emma Early Murphy - Business Consultant and Growth Strategist

• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Building visibility
• Attracting and retaining customers in 2026

Emma Early Murphy

An exceptional strategic leader, business consultant, and connector with over 25 years of experience across corporate and SME sectors, Emma specialising in sales, customer service, marketing, change management, leadership, strategy, business development, and entrepreneurship. She has successfully worked with diverse cross functional teams and businesses in multiple industries.

Her passion lies in supporting individuals and teams, both in SMEs and corporate clients, fostering personal and professional growth to help them achieve remarkable success.

11.30am – 11.45am - Edward Cranney  Finance for SMS and First Time Self Employed

• Financial Foundations for Sustainable Growth
• Cashflow management
• Planning for scale

11.45am – 12.00pm - Fire Side Chat with Amy Dodd of AMD Media

Amy Dodd

Amy Dodd is a freelance videographer and photographer working under AMD Media since 2021, specialising in documentaries, promotional content, events, and people focused storytelling. Passionate about visual narratives, Amy thrives on creative challenges and is always open to new projects and fresh ideas. Known for a collaborative approach, she enjoys working closely with other creatives to bring authentic, engaging stories to life across video and photography.

12.00pm – 12.15pm – Rosemary Kavanagh - INTREO Representative

• Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) explained
• Short Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) Explained
• Self-Employment means Teat (SEMT)
• Community Employment and Self Employment

12.15pm – 12.30pm Open Forum Q&A - Panel discussion with guest speakers, Facilitated by Edward Cranney, SDCP

12.30pm – 1.00pm Networking, Refreshments & Enterprise Showcase

• Meet speakers
• Connect with SDCP programme graduates
• Informal peer networking

1.00pm - Event close