Independent AI and digital advisors for Irish SMEs

Work Smarter, Not harder With AI

Approved Digital for Business consultants on twelve Local Enterprise Office panels, with 110+ projects delivered. Independent advice on the right software, better processes and practical AI.

Take the Free AI Readiness Assessment

A short 3-minute assessment for SMEs. See where your business sits on the AI readiness curve and get a personalised PDF showing what businesses at your stage typically do next.

Our services

What we offer

Independent advice on the right systems, better ways of working and practical AI. Most of our work is funded through your Local Enterprise Office, and we also work with businesses privately.

Funded through your Local Enterprise Office

Digital for Business

Expert, independent advice to select the right cloud software and AI tools. We are approved consultants on twelve LEO panels and guide the application, with up to €5,000 grant aid on software through the Grow Digital Voucher.

  • 110+ projects delivered across Ireland
  • We handle the voucher application and grant claim
Open to any business

AI Advisory

The same independent advice, whether or not you qualify for a grant. We find where time is being lost, recommend the right systems, better processes and practical AI, then support you as far as you need, from a clear plan your team can follow to hands-on help putting it in place.

  • AI audit, then a strategy and solutions report
  • Guided implementation, from advice only to hands-on support
Funded through your Local Enterprise Office

Green for Business

Fully funded sustainability consultancy to cut energy use, reduce waste and lower emissions across your operations.

Learn more
Funded through your Local Enterprise Office

Lean for Business

Reduce waste, improve flow and remove bottlenecks with a Lean adviser on site, funded by your Local Enterprise Office.

Learn more

Our work

Every project, county by county

We are approved Digital for Business consultants on twelve Local Enterprise Office panels. Click any county to see the work we have delivered there.

Explore the full map

What clients say

In their own words

“Appadvisor has been an incredible asset to our business, providing us with a wealth of knowledge and practical insights into how we can use technology more effectively and efficiently. Their expertise has given us the tools and confidence to streamline our operations and put the right systems in place to support our continued growth. A truly top-class service and we would highly recommend Appadvisor to any business looking to embrace technology and scale for the future.”
Dorrian Construction
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“Joe and his team were so helpful in assessing our needs and advising with regard to the grant application process. It’s great to have access to someone like Joe with years of industry experience and lots of wise advice.”
SharonGalway City Physiotherapy
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“Working with App Advisor was a very positive experience. They brought a clear, practical and collaborative approach throughout our engagement, helping us shape and progress our digital programme with confidence. We particularly valued their ability to understand our needs, provide thoughtful guidance and translate strategy into tangible actions and outcomes.”
Valerie LeonardLentech Services
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“Joe's digital programme gave us a clear, practical roadmap for growing Urban Sports online, and the support throughout was genuinely hands-on and easy to work with.”
Noel HoganUrban Sports
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“We worked with Joe and Jack from App Advisor with our application for Grow Digital Voucher. They were so helpful and supportive throughout the process. They are skilled in what they do, very clear and knowledgeable, I would highly recommend going with them as a team to position your business for success in digital.”
Tara O’RourkeOperations Director, Sásta Skin Health
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“Working with App Advisor was a very worthwhile experience. I feel very equipped after meeting the lads. Their guidance helped us streamline our internal software and establish a clear, modern digital setup for the practice.”
Jerome CahillAer Accounts
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“Both Joe and Jack have been fantastic throughout the process, and we’re very happy to support them in showcasing the work they’ve undertaken with us”
Seamus CarthyREA Seamus Carthy
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“Working with Joe on the digital programme was a very positive experience; he brought clarity and structure to our digital strategy and gave us practical advice on systems that we can continue to build on long after the programme.”
Senator Windows
“I had the pleasure of working with Joe and Jack while going through the Digital Growth Voucher process, and I genuinely couldn’t recommend them highly enough. From the very beginning, both Joe and Jack were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and approachable. They took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all of my questions and made what could have been a complicated process feel straightforward and manageable. What stood out most was how supportive and patient they were throughout the entire process. They were always available when I needed guidance and went above and beyond to make sure I understood each step and felt confident moving forward. It was a real pleasure working with them. Their professionalism, expertise and genuine willingness to help made such a positive difference to the experience. I would highly recommend Joe and Jack to any business looking for guidance and support with their digital growth. I am very grateful for all their help.”
Rita O’DowdCornmarket Dental
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“We recently worked with Jack and Joe from App Advisor on a project funded through our local LEO. From the very beginning they were a pleasure to work with. They genuinely took the time to really understand the specific needs our our business and what improvements could have a meaningful impact on the day-today running of Living Woodlands. Once the most suitable measures had been identified they went above and beyond to help us implement them - providing us with clear cost-benefit analyses and jargon-free recommendations. We are absolutely delighted with the digital systems we have put in place as a result of the project. I can’t recommend App Advisor highly enough!”
Living Woodlands
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Questions

Straight answers

The questions owners ask us most about Digital for Business, the grant and how we work.

What is the Digital for Business programme?

Digital for Business is a Local Enterprise Office (LEO) programme for micro and small Irish businesses. An approved consultant such as AppAdvisor reviews how your business runs and recommends the digital tools and changes that would help most. The consultancy is fully funded for businesses that qualify, and the written report is yours to keep.

What is the Grow Digital grant (Grow Digital Voucher)?

The Grow Digital Voucher (also called the Grow Digital grant) is for small businesses that have completed Digital for Business in the previous two years. It covers 50% of eligible costs on new software, training and setup, with a grant of between €500 and €5,000 per application, so the full €5,000 needs €10,000 of spend. A business can have up to two projects, €5,000 in total. Apply before you buy anything. It replaced the Trading Online Voucher, which closed in December 2024.

Do you sell software or take commissions?

No. We do not sell software and we do not take vendor commissions. You are free to choose your own suppliers. Our only interest is giving you the right advice.

Do you only advise, or do you also help put things in place?

We are advisory first. Under Digital for Business you get independent advice and a written report. If you want hands-on help afterwards, we can do that too, privately: guided implementation, smaller pieces of AI setup and implementation, and training with your team.

AI Readiness Check

Find out where your business sits on the AI readiness curve

A short, no-jargon assessment for Irish business owners. Six questions, three minutes, and you'll know exactly where you stand and what businesses at your stage typically do next.

Your Sample Result
You're ready to act. Now it's about choosing the right move.
Your AI Readiness 5.5 / 10
AI CURIOUS AI READY AI ACTIVE
Personalised PDF · Sample preview AI READY

Why AppAdvisor

A father and son team: the wise head and the fresh eyes

Joe brings over 35 years of business judgement. Jack brings current knowledge of AI and the newest systems, and finds where they save the most time. We work every assignment together, so you get both in the same room, and either of us can pick up where the other left off.

Joe Connaughton
The wise head

Joe Connaughton

Director and Senior Digital Business Consultant
  • 35+ years in business and technology
  • Founder of two IT businesses before AppAdvisor
  • Owner relationships and LEO liaison
  • Final review and sign-off on every report
Jack Connaughton
The fresh eyes

Jack Connaughton

Digital and AI Consultant
  • BSc Business Information Systems, First Class Honours
  • CompTIA Security+ certified
  • The latest AI tools and business systems
  • Automation that cuts admin and re-keying
110+Projects delivered

Every one on our delivery map, county by county.

12Approved LEO panels

Approved Digital for Business consultants. We guide the application so qualifying clients can secure the funding.

17Sectors served

From trades and retail to healthcare, engineering and professional services.

€0Software commission, ever

We don’t sell software and we don’t take vendor commissions. Our only interest is giving you the right advice.