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LeanBPI, the Irish digital growth consultancy for SMEs and micro enterprises, has announced the launch of its Digital Readiness Assessment - a personal digital readiness assessment for micro enterprise leaders in Ireland. By providing this measurement, LeanBPI will help micro enterprises to understand their current capabilities and guide them in adopting appropriate digital technologies.
This will enhance the competitiveness of Ireland's microenterprises, help ensure their survival in the digital age and open up new revenue streams. In doing so, it provides a vital service to the country's economy, which is highly reliant on micro enterprises.
LeanBPI is partnering with a number of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) on the rollout of the Digital Readiness Assessment, including those in Tipperary, Offaly, Mayo, Longford, Leitrim and Cavan, with promising take-up across other counties.
Collectively, micro enterprises employ 28% of the workforce and contribute 16% to Ireland's Gross Value Added (GVA). However, due to their size, micro enterprises often lack the in-house skills and budgets required for digital transformation.
Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, Ms Emer Higgins, T.D., said, "I'm delighted to welcome LeanBPI's new digital fitness test. As a Limerick-based digital growth consultancy, working with our Local Enterprise Offices, they play a crucial role in assessing the digital readiness of micro enterprises across Ireland. Given that small businesses employing up to nine people make up more than 90% of our business sector, their growth is essential for the Irish economy.
"It's encouraging to see real-world impact already, such as the experience by the Tipperary-based Crossogue Preserves through digital transformation. Initiatives like this are vital for helping small businesses capitalise on technological opportunities, digitise and modernise effectively. These companies are the heart of our communities, and their success is vital to our economy."
John O'Shanahan, managing director, LeanBPI said: "Micro enterprises make up far more of our national workforce and contribute far more to our economy than people are aware of, but many of them are not realising their full potential due to a lack of digital systems. By helping small businesses to make the most of the opportunities presented by technology, we are modernising microenterprises across Ireland and helping them - and our economy - to flourish."
The Limerick-based company is working with LEOs across the country and conducting digital readiness assessments, which provide a clear evaluation of the digital readiness of decision-makers in micro enterprises. LeanBPI's appraisal determines a readiness level ranging from high to low, while also assessing a number of key factors - such as optimism, innovation, discomfort and insecurity - relating to businesses' approach to digital, change and growth.
This allows LeanBPI to also provide micro enterprises with their digital readiness profile, ranging from 'Explorer' to 'Avoider'. This tailored analysis enables appropriate, actionable plans which will guide micro enterprises in effectively integrating digital tools and strategies into their operations.
LeanBPI has been helping micro enterprises and SMEs in Ireland to implement digital systems for more than a decade and has a technical team capable of deep customisation to meet the needs of its customers.
Crossogue Preserves
Tipperary-based Crossogue Preserves sells a comprehensive range of more than 250 products from its shop and website, while also providing a wholesale service to hoteliers, as well as a large number of artisan shops and delicatessens. Veronica Molloy founded the nine-person family business and runs it alongside her son, Mark, and his wife, Jennifer. Last year, the company was struggling with an overload of paperwork, manual stocktaking and waste management.
To address this issue, Crossogue began working with LeanBPI through its LEO last year and ha

One million lives in communities across Ireland have been transformed by social innovation backed by Rethink Ireland, as the organisation marks the impact of a €109 million milestone fund built over seven years.
Since 2016, Rethink Ireland has partnered with companies like Google.org, Bank of America, and IPB Insurance as well as families, individuals and foundations to build a €109 million social innovation fund. The €109 million fund has reached over one million people, launched 58 funds, backing 448 innovative projects, supporting 137,134 learners, creating 998 jobs in the non-profit sector and supporting 3,309 people into employment.
At a celebration with donors and awardee organisations, Rethink Ireland launched the report that documents the transformative impact on one million people. The event was hosted by supporting partners, including the Family Business Network.
Mr. Joe O'Brien T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Department of Social Protection and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said: "I am delighted to be here today to celebrate and mark the impact of Rethink Ireland's work. The Department of Rural and Community Development and Rethink Ireland have forged a phenomenal working relationship, working together towards a more just, equal, and sustainable Ireland for all.
"This collaborative approach has seen the growth of philanthropic donations and Government match-funding, that have today reached over €109 million in funding being provided for social innovation community-based programmes and projects. Through their work, and more importantly, the impact that they have on communities all across the country, Rethink Ireland advocates and highlights the power of Philanthropy."
Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Rethink Ireland, commented: "Our impact has been felt so much greater and further than we could ever have dreamed by reaching one million people in our communities. This is about Philanthropy fuelling innovation - our unique venture philanthropy model helps strengthen and advance non-profits resulting in scale and, critically, systems change.
"While we are marking a €109 million social innovation fund milestone, we are, crucially, focused on the long-term goal of a just, equal and sustainable Ireland, and we are committed to accelerating funding in the next five years to harness the momentum built.
"We are deeply grateful to the Government of Ireland, and the businesses, families, and individuals who partner with us to catalyse change in the areas of equality, education, health, social enterprise and the green transition.
"This first one million people reached is just chapter one in our story of the impact social innovation is making. We're looking forward to writing the next chapter as we continue to Rethink Ireland."
One organisation backed by Rethink Ireland, Sensational Kids, is a social enterprise providing vital front-line therapeutic supports for children with additional needs. Funded by Rethink Ireland to scale over four years, Sensational Kids grew its presence from a base in Kildare, to operate in every province, changing the lives of more than 10,000 children and saving their families over €2.5 million in therapy fees.
Another organisation, Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID) demonstrates the importance of equality and systems change. The Centre promotes the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in education and society, providing the opportunity to participate in a higher education programme designed to enhance their capacity to fully participate in society as independent adults.
The proven success of the TCPID model, as an exemplar of best practice, has persuaded the government to introduce a pathfinding pilot programme providing funding supports to ten higher education institutions in Ireland for expanded access to education for people with intellectual disabilities.
Chair

New research from MSD Ireland has revealed insights into public perceptions of healthcare in Ireland now and into the future, with a renewed perspective and focus on younger adults and those labelled 'GenZ'. The research is a continuation of the MSD Ireland 'My Healthcare, My Future' series, which began in 2016 and explores populational insights under the lens of four core pillars of investigation, including My Personal Health, My Health Service, My Access, and My Digital Health.
The research revealed surprising insights into the dynamic between the wider population and those who fit within the GenZ age category between 18 and 25, potentially challenging common perceptions that younger people in 2024 are more health-savvy than previous generations. According to the new research, there is agreement across all age groups surveyed that GenZ is the demographic that the Irish healthcare system is least equipped to manage.
When it comes to digital health, 61% of the general population said that they would research their symptoms or the symptoms of family members online first before they visit their pharmacist or GP, with 57% believing that the appropriate use of technology can improve existing healthcare services.
Nearly one-third (29%) of Irish adults have used YouTube in the past 12 months for health information, while over one-third (37%) of younger adults have used TikTok in the same period for health information. Unfortunately, over one-third (33%) have been somewhat impacted negatively by information they've seen on social media, rising to 39% among young adults.
There has also been a rise in the use of wearable devices, with 37% saying that the use of wearable devices to track key healthcare data, such as a fitness watch, has helped them to make key decisions about health.
David Jones, Director of Oncology at MSD Ireland: "At MSD, we believe our most important contribution is making a difference. We take a patient-centric approach, continuously innovating to benefit patients, healthcare providers, and the wider healthcare landscape in Ireland. This year's 'My Healthcare, My Future: Next Gen Health' report highlights the urgent need for tailored strategies to address GenZ's unique health challenges.
Listening to and incorporating young people's opinions into healthcare decision-making is crucial.
Reflecting on our past findings, it's evident that technology and credible online health information will continue to play a vital role in healthcare.
It is important to acknowledge the extraordinary work undertaken by all individuals involved with delivering healthcare services and while the report highlights some growing levels of pessimism, there are also several opportunities across all populations where stakeholders, including MSD, can engage on to create a system which reflects what people expect from a healthcare system in Ireland."

Thousands of free and subsidised higher education places on hundreds of courses are being made available nationwide. Recent graduates, those who may be unemployed, or those who wish to return to education to upskill can take advantage of this brilliant opportunity.
On Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, the details of this range of opportunities were revealed by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O'Donovan TD, and Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins TD.
These nationwide courses will operate through a mix of online and blended learning (37% will be entirely online), under the Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 initiatives, which are managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
There are hundreds of flexible and part-time courses available for 2024/25.
This approach means that people across the country will have access to these educational opportunities.
These Springboard + and HCI Pillar 1 courses are available across varying sectors, paying particular attention to in demand areas to meet the ever evolving and emerging demand in technological industries. Course options include cybersecurity, health innovation, virtual reality, sustainability, and many more.
"Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 offer a wide range of courses, delivered in a blended or online format, to meet the needs of individuals trying to balance work or family commitments but are also interested in a gaining a qualification to achieve career development goals, those looking for a new career, and those looking to return to the workforce or to keep their skills up to date in a transforming industry" - Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics at the Higher
Education Authority.
"There are now more than 350 free or subsidised courses offering people incredible opportunities to upskill or reskill in areas where businesses are crying out for workers. The courses are designed to empower individuals and allow them to thrive in the evolving job market. They offer not just an exciting and valuable education but also pathways to sustainable employment" - Minister O'Donovan.
Ireland is a country that is dedicated to self-improvement, to education, to economic growth, and to innovation. This commitment to fostering growth and success is highlighted by Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1's vital funding.
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland via the National Training Fund and the European Union.
Human Capital Initiative Pillar 1 is funded by the National Training Fund.
Springboard+ at NCI
At National College of Ireland, we offer several free courses through the Springboard+ initiative and Human Capital Initiative (HCI). At NCI students can study a dynamic range of courses in subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity. These course options meet the demands and current shortages in various sectors of industry, meaning that students are more likely to take their knowledge with them to thrive in the workplace once they've completed their studies.
For further course information, visit the NCI website
Everyone can apply for a Springboard+ or HCI course regardless of their employment status. The courses remain free of charge for people who are currently unemployed. For applicants in employment, there will be a fee of 10% of the contribution to the normal course fee.
For further details about the eligibility criteria, visit the Springboard+ website.
Am I Eligible?
Key Dates & Events:
Applications open in June 2024; applicants will find full details on the approved courses on the dedicated information and applications website https://springboardcourses.ie/
Springboard+ Events at NCI
Join us at one of our upcoming events, where you will have the opportunity to experience the online classroom and ask any questions you may have regar

Dublin-based FIRE1 today announced that the first Irish patient has been successfully implanted with its FIRE1 System for remote heart failure monitoring. The innovative system has the potential to positively impact thousands of people living with heart failure in Ireland every year and alleviate the burden on hospital emergency rooms.
The successful implantation took place at University Hospital Galway in the First in Human Clinical Investigation of the FIRE1 System in Heart Failure Patients (FUTURE-HF). The study will assess FIRE1's novel solution to improve outcomes for those living with heart failure.
Irish medtech company FIRE1, whose CEO, Conor Hanley, was recently announced as a 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, seeks to transform heart failure management by enabling patients to monitor and control their fluid volume themselves with a device at home, similar to how continuous glucose monitoring transformed diabetes care.
Fluid overload is a classic clinical feature of heart failure, which affects approximately 90,000 Irish people and is a leading cause of hospitalisations, including high admission and re-admission rates in Ireland.
FIRE1 CEO and President Conor Hanley said, "I am especially pleased to announce our first patient in Ireland. This represents a true clinical research success for Ireland, being one of the first systems of its nature to be developed, manufactured, and now in a clinical trial in Ireland. It showcases Ireland's capability for groundbreaking medical innovation with the potential to change healthcare delivery globally.
The FIRE1 team is steadfast in our mission to help millions of people around the world living with heart failure to get their normal lives back, but it is very special to be able to give access to people here at home. It is gratifying to see the physician interest in our novel technology.
I would like to extend my thanks on behalf of the whole FIRE1 team to the fantastic staff at UHG, and most importantly to the patients who continue to put their trust in us and participate in this important research."
The FIRE1 sensor is implanted into the body's largest vein, located in the abdomen, known as the inferior vena cava (IVC) and works by continuously measuring the size of the IVC, giving a marker of the amount of fluid in the body. High levels can increase the risk of breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid in the lungs, which lead to an emergency hospital admission.
The patient wears a belt reader around the abdomen for around a minute a day to take a reading from the sensor and the data is sent to the patient's clinical team at the hospital. The system is designed to alert whenever the patient's condition deteriorates.
Professor of Interventional Cardiology and Translational Medicine at University Hospital Galway (UHG), Prof Faisal Sharif performed the implant. "We are delighted to bring this new, transformative technology to Ireland for the first time," said Prof Sharif.
"The procedure was very straightforward, minimally invasive and the patient was confident using the FIRE1 system and taking the readings. The data we will get from this patient will give a new window into heart failure management and has the potential to dramatically improve our understanding of this patient's condition, and to enable proactive changes in medications that will keep them healthy and at home. We hope to implant further patients at UHG while recruitment is still active."

The 2024 Dublin Tech Summit takes place tomorrow and Ronan spoke to Siobhan Human, Head of Programming and Marketing at Dublin Tech Summit to find out what we can expect this year.
Siobhan talks about some of the speakers appearing at Dublin Tech Summit, space tech, AI and more.
More about Dublin Tech Summit:
Dublin Tech Summit is the most exciting tech festival in Europe. DTS brings together global leaders in innovation, technology and business to shape the future of trends and technologies.
Taking place at the RDS on the 29th and 30th of May, this event brings together over 8,000 attendees and more than 200 influential speakers from all over the globe.
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