Almost 23 years ago, I walked through the doors of East Belfast Enterprise as a first-time entrepreneur, enrolled on their Start a Business programme. At the time, it felt like a huge leap into the unknown - full of ambition, uncertainty, and possibility.

So returning recently, this time to deliver an AI training session to their team, was one of those rare full-circle moments that really make you pause and reflect.

A forward-thinking organisation supporting SMEs

East Belfast Enterprise has long been a cornerstone of SME support in the area, and what struck me most during this visit was their continued commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Their decision to invest in AI training for their own team ensures they can continue to offer relevant, practical, and informed guidance to the businesses they support.

In an environment where AI is evolving rapidly, support organisations play a crucial role. When they understand how AI can boost productivity, streamline operations, and help manage risk, that insight cascades directly to the SMEs relying on them for advice and direction.

What we covered in the session

The session was designed to be practical, accessible, and grounded in real-world application. We explored:

• The different types of AI and how they show up in everyday business tools
• Practical use cases for SMEs, focusing on productivity and operational efficiency
• The often-overlooked areas of compliance, ethical risk, and governance
• What good AI governance looks like in smaller organisations — without unnecessary complexity

The discussion was thoughtful, engaged, and refreshingly pragmatic. There was a clear appetite not just to understand what AI can do, but how to use it responsibly and confidently in a real SME context.

Why this matters

For SMEs, AI adoption isn’t about flashy technology or wholesale transformation overnight. It’s about making informed, low-risk decisions that support people, processes, and long-term resilience. When organisations like East Belfast Enterprise build this understanding internally, they strengthen the entire local business ecosystem.

A personal milestone

On a personal level, it was genuinely special to return to the place where my own entrepreneurial journey began - now with nearly 23 years of experience, and with AI firmly at the centre of how businesses are preparing for the future.

Thank you to the East Belfast Enterprise team for the warm welcome, the open conversation, and the work you continue to do in supporting SMEs across the region.