Limerick City and County Council is seeking the views of small and medium enterprise owners as it begins creating a new SME Action Plan to support local businesses.
The purpose of the plan is to provide a framework which will lead to a stronger business ecosystem across Limerick city and county, along with sustained commercial success by SMEs.
Research and Dig together with Fitzgerald Power have been commissioned by Limerick City and County Council to assist with the plan's creation.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commented:
"Developing an SME Action Plan is a key part of the More for Limerick Mayoral Programme. From my time at the Department of Finance and work since, I have always valued the contribution of small and medium business to our economy and communities. They are essential for a thriving Limerick. As we shape the next chapter of our journey as a city and county and cope with shifting global sands, their insights matter now more than ever. We want to hear from all those who live the realities of running a business. They are our future and we want to be theirs.”
Limerick SME owners are being invited to 12 focus groups that are to take place across the rest of the month. Three of these will be in person, while nine will be online.
Chair of the Economic and Planning SPC and co-Chair of the Mayor’s SME Expert Group, Cllr Peter Doyle, added:
"This is about building a stronger, more supportive environment where local enterprise can thrive. We want to understand the real challenges, the real opportunities, and what’s needed to help businesses succeed. I encourage every owner and entrepreneur to share their perspective. Together, we can create a roadmap that reflects the energy and ambition of Limerick’s business community."
Head of Trade and Investment at Limerick City and County Council, Brendan Troy, said:
“We recognise that small and medium businesses are central to the economic vitality and social fabric of our city and county. As we develop our new action plan, we are committed to ensuring it is shaped by those at the forefront of enterprise. Their insights will help us create a targeted, effective strategy that supports innovation, sustainability, and growth."
The three in-person focus groups are for SME owners from any sector. Attendance is limited to six people per focus group, with tickets being allocated on a first come, first served basis. All three workshops take place in Limerick City and County Council Offices, Merchant's Quay on May 20th.
Each of the nine online workshops are targeted at SME owners from specific segments of the economy (e.g retail, tech, food production, etc). For each of these workshops, attendance is limited to twelve people. Tickets are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
For those who cannot take part in the focus groups, a survey will be launched later this month to garner their views.
The list of focus groups, which run up to and including Thursday, May 29th, 2025, can be viewed here.