MentorsWork Celebrates Five Years of Proving Business Supports to Irish SMEs

MentorsWork, an award-winning initiative of Skillnet Ireland in partnership with the Small Firms Association (SFA), celebrated its five-year anniversary at a special event yesterday. Since its launch in 2020, MentorsWork has provided targeted business supports to nearly 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Ireland and invested €6.5 million to drive SME growth, resilience, and innovation.

Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “The MentorsWork programme is a fantastic resource for SMEs, delivering practical supports and strategic guidance to businesses across Ireland. Expert mentors provide education and information to SME owners on how to innovate, adopt new technologies and adjust to ever-changing market dynamics - particularly in the current economic and technological climate. It is a testament to the success of the programme that it has reached this half decade milestone, and we look forward to its continued success and growth into the future.”

David Broderick, Director, Small Firms Association, said: "This milestone reflects the strength and value of the MentorsWork programme in helping SMEs overcome real-world challenges. The initiative has been a game-changer for so many businesses. By addressing specific needs and equipping SMEs with tailored support and mentoring, we are helping them not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. We are proud of what MentorsWork has achieved since its launch in 2020.”

MentorsWork was launched in 2020 to provide targeted support across critical areas, including digitisation, HR management, sales, finance, marketing, sustainability, and overall business growth. The programme has invested €6.5 million to date into providing upskilling initiatives, leveraging a network of best-in-class mentors to empower SMEs to build their competitiveness through skills.

With plans to support over 900 SMEs by the end of 2025 and open to business owners and managers from all industries with 1-250 employees, the 12-week MentorsWork programme introduces participants to a dedicated and experienced mentor who works with them to address their specific areas of concern, alongside masterclasses and peer-to-peer workshops. Throughout the programme, SME owners and managers gain access to essential tools and knowledge in key areas such as People Management, Business Processes, Finance, Growth Strategies, and Digitalisation.

SMEs interested in the MentorsWork programme can apply now and take the first step toward sustaining and growing their businesses. For more information or to apply for the 2025 programme, visit www.mentorswork.ie.