Event to help SMEs in west turn AI potential into business impact

SMALL businesses from across the west of Ireland are being invited to attend AI Works for Ireland, an in-person event taking place on Thursday, April 30, at the Radisson RED in Galway. The event is designed to help SMEs understand and apply AI in a practical, business-focused way.

Delivered by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network in partnership with Google, Enterprise Europe Network, and Enterprise Ireland, AI Works for Ireland will bring together business owners, industry experts and AI specialists for a full day of insights, demonstrations and workshops, focused on real-world application.

The Galway event is part of the wider AI Works for Ireland initiative. It is aimed at supporting SMEs at every stage of their AI journey - from early exploration to active adoption - with trusted, local guidance and practical tools to drive growth.

Attendees will gain real-world insights into how AI can support day-to-day business operations, marketing and decision-making. There will also be hands-on experience with AI tools through expert-led workshops and real-life examples from Irish SMEs who are successfully using AI.

The agenda will feature a mix of keynote speakers, panel discussions and interactive sessions. Karen Stolberg, Managing Director of Google Customer Solutions UKI, will open the event and outline the opportunity for SMEs to leverage AI. This will be followed by an SME growth keynote from Galway entrepreneur Raj Lyons Chohan of ICON. A panel discussion featuring regional business leaders will include Roscommon entrepreneur Peter Kilmartin of Spicy Dog Media; Julie Dowling, CEO of Fudge & Gandol and AIM Innovation Centre; and Dr. Ciaran Feeney of MartEye, all sharing practical insights from their AI journeys.

The programme will also include a fireside chat with Aimee Connolly, founder and CEO of Sculpted by Aimee, who will speak about how she has used AI to enhance productivity and scale her business. There will also be dedicated deep-dive workshops focused on getting started with Google AI tools and applying them in practice.

Speaking ahead of the event, Caroline McDonagh, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Galway, said: “For many small businesses, the challenge with AI isn’t awareness, it’s knowing where to start. AI Works for Ireland is about cutting through that complexity and providing practical, hands-on support that businesses can immediately apply.

“Through the Local Enterprise Offices, that support doesn’t end on the day. We are here locally to help businesses build the skills, confidence and capability they need to adopt AI in a way that makes sense for them.”

Karen Stolberg, Managing Director, Google Customer Solutions UKI, added: “AI presents a real opportunity for businesses across the west of Ireland, but unlocking that potential requires practical skills and confidence. Through AI Works for Ireland, we are working with Local Enterprise Offices to bring that support directly to businesses, helping them move from curiosity to real-world application, and ultimately to growth.”

The event is open to SMEs, entrepreneurs and business leaders across Galway and the wider west, regardless of their level of experience with AI. Businesses attending will also have the opportunity to connect with Local Enterprise Office advisors to learn more about ongoing support available through their Local Enterprise Office. This includes training, mentoring, and access to AI upskilling opportunities such as Google’s AI Professional Certificate scholarships.

Spaces are limited and advance registration is essential. Secure a place here.