As part of its Big Drive for Small Business, AIB has announced the launch of an SME Business Planning Programme. AIB has developed this programme in conjunction with ActionCOACH, a leading business coaching company in Ireland.
This programme aims to equip small businesses with training and tools in the form of a 90-day plan focused on business development.
It is expected that over 3,000 customers throughout Ireland will take part in these programmes throughout this year. The programme content consists of eight key business areas focusing on:
Setting your business goals and company vision
Understanding financials and your cashflow cycle
Principles of leverage and the importance of testing and measuring
Marketing your business and establishing your unique selling point
Sales and handling objections
Customer service and client fulfilment
How to systemise your business and the importance of management information
Building and leading a team
The programme begins this month in Athlone with AIB branch manager, Joanne O’Connor commenting:
“We know that it is vital to the economic recovery of the nation that viable small businesses get all the support they need. The business planning programme is just one in a series of initiatives under our Big Drive for Small Business campaign, which also includes a €100m job creation fund, a €250m agri investment fund and an increase in dedicated SME relationship staff. We want business people to come and visit one of our branches nationwide or to contact their relationship manager in their branch or commercial centre to find out how AIB can support their business.”
