Financial Literacy for Growing Irish Businesses
Running a business in Ireland means juggling VAT returns, payroll, and investment decisions all at once. Most business owners I've worked with know their industry inside out but find themselves stuck when it comes to making sense of their financial position.
That's exactly why we developed our business education programmes. Not generic courses about finance theory — practical workshops designed around real scenarios that Irish SMEs face every day.
Our autumn 2025 programmes focus on three areas where business owners consistently tell us they need clarity: investment planning, cash flow management, and understanding financial statements beyond the basics.
We've been delivering these sessions across Tipperary and surrounding counties since 2019, and what stands out is how much people appreciate content that speaks to their actual situation rather than textbook examples.
What Our Workshops Actually Cover
Each session runs for half a day and gets into specific challenges rather than broad overviews. You'll leave with frameworks you can apply straight away.
Investment Awareness
Understanding different investment vehicles and how they might fit into your business strategy. We cover everything from traditional options to newer approaches.
- Risk assessment specific to SMEs
- Diversification strategies that make sense for smaller portfolios
- Common pitfalls we see business owners encounter
- Real case studies from Irish businesses
Cash Flow Management
Cash flow problems sink more businesses than anything else. This isn't about basic bookkeeping — it's about forecasting and planning ahead when you're growing.
- Building realistic cash flow projections
- Managing seasonal variations
- Handling delayed payments without panic
- Planning for tax obligations throughout the year
Reading Financial Statements
Your accountant sends reports, but do you know what they're actually telling you? This session breaks down the numbers that matter for decision-making.
- Profit vs. cash — understanding the difference
- Key ratios that indicate business health
- Spotting warning signs early
- Using financial data to plan growth
"I'd been running my construction business for eight years before attending the cash flow workshop in spring 2023. Honestly thought I had it figured out. Turns out I was making three significant mistakes in how I projected income. Within six months of applying what I learned, we'd improved our working capital position substantially and I actually understand what my accountant's talking about now."Cillian Bresnihan Owner, Bresnihan Construction Ltd, Nenagh
How Our Programme Works
Initial Consultation
Before you commit to any programme, we have a chat about where your business is now and what specific challenges you're facing. Sometimes you need one workshop, sometimes a combination. We're honest about what will actually help versus what sounds good on paper.
Small Group Sessions
We keep groups to maximum 12 people. This isn't lecture-style learning — you'll work through scenarios, ask questions specific to your situation, and hear from other business owners dealing with similar challenges. The networking alone is worth showing up for.
Practical Application
Each session includes time to work on your actual business numbers. Bring your laptop, bring your questions. We'll help you build frameworks you can use immediately rather than theoretical knowledge that sits unused.
Follow-Up Support
After the workshop, you get three months of email support. When you're implementing what you learned and hit a question, you can reach out. Most people use this — it bridges the gap between learning and actually doing.
Next Sessions Start September 2025
We're taking registrations for our autumn programme now. Sessions run Tuesday and Thursday mornings in Carrowkeale, with some evening options if that works better for your schedule. Places are limited because we prioritize discussion and individual attention.