Monaghan Event to help SMEs turn AI Potential into Business Impact

Small businesses are being invited to attend ‘AI Works for Ireland’, an in-person event taking place on 28th May in the Peace Campus, Monaghan, 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 Ireland, and Enterprise Europe Network, the event 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 event is part of the wider AI Works for Ireland initiative, 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 practical insights into how AI can support day-to-day business operations, marketing and decision-making, alongside hands-on experience with AI tools through expert-led workshops and real-life examples from Irish SMEs successfully using AI.

The agenda will feature a mix of keynote speakers, panel discussions and interactive sessions. Cera Ward, Managing Director, Central Europe, Google will highlight the opportunity for SMEs to leverage AI, followed by an SME growth keynote from entrepreneur Ian Hamilton. There will also be a panel discussion featuring regional business leaders including Neill Dunwoody, Co-Founder of SPRYT, Rebecca Maguire, founder of Púróga Pebble Art, Phil Graham, of Secora Consulting, and Ruth Tidy-King, Director, CICS SiloClean sharing their insights on how using AI helped grow their businesses.

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, as well as dedicated deep-dive workshops focused on getting started with Google AI tools and applying them in practice.

Speaking ahead of the event, Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Monaghan said:

“AI Works for Ireland’ gives SMEs practical insights and hands-on experience of using AI tools that can help them save time and become more efficient. Through the Local Enterprise Offices, that engagement doesn’t end on the day. We are here locally to help businesses build the skills they need to integrate AI through our range of business supports.”

Cera Ward, Managing Director, Central Europe, Google said:

“Through my work with Google, I’ve had the opportunity to see first-hand the ambition of Irish SMEs and their strong belief in what AI can unlock for their businesses. What’s often missing isn’t intent, but the confidence and practical know-how to get started.

“Our aim is to ensure every business has the opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, an AI-powered economy. As someone from Clontibret, County Monaghan, it’s particularly special to support an initiative like AI Works for Ireland, one that brings the skills and expertise needed directly to local businesses. This programme is focused on making AI real and accessible — helping people move from curiosity to capability and I am encouraging SMEs from the region to register for the event on 28 May.”

Spaces are limited and advance registration is essential — to secure a place, visit: AI Works for Ireland, Monaghan - Register Here