Through our campaigns we aim to ensure that the small business sector is recognised for its positive contribution to our economy.
SFA National Small Business Awards
The Small Firms Association (SFA) National Small Business Awards 2026 have been officially launched by Awards Patron, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. Now in its twenty second year, these awards celebrate the achievements, innovation, and excellence of small businesses in Ireland and recognise the vital contribution of the small business community to the Irish economy.
The Awards are free to enter and the prize package for all finalists is valued at €50,000. This includes a strategic management masterclass weekend, participation in SFA Business MentorsWork Programme as well as in the SFA Business Connect event where they will be able to showcase their products and services to an audience of over three hundred attendees. It also includes broad-ranging national and local media coverage, and each finalist company will feature in a special supplement in the Irish Independent on the day of the Gala Presentation of Prizes which takes place in RDS Concert Hall on Thursday, 5th March 2026 when the category winners and overall winner will be announced. Finalists also receive three complementary tickets to this ceremony.
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SFA Pre-Budget Submission 2026
Ireland is a nation of small businesses that represent the beating heart of communities across the country. The government promise to develop a roadmap aimed at fostering economic growth in the sector is the vision that the SFA has called for in recent times. However, time is short. The tax and regulatory constraints that are choking small businesses remain. Change is required and the SFA has identified a range of proposals for the government to adopt and implement in its first budget.
Our Budget 2026 submission includes range of policy request aimed at reducing costs, lowering taxes easing regulation and fostering recruitment to small businesses;
Unlocking potential & Driving growth.
SFA Small Business & AI Survey 2025
In an independently produced survey with Amárach, over 350 small businesses nationwide were asked questions related to business costs and business sentiment. Although the percentage of small businesses reporting increased costs are significantly down from last year (84%), businesses are still struggling with an high-cost base with 44 percent of businesses reporting no change in costs in the past year.
The same survey shows that 9 out of 10 small firms surveyed are using artificial intelligence (AI) for one or more business processes. The most popular uses for AI were reported to be automation of simple tasks (66%) and data analytics reporting (44%).
MentorsWork
The MentorsWork programme is designed to provide you with the skills and supports to help your business thrive, by addressing the specific needs of your business. You choose the priority areas for your business, and we tailor the programme to suit your needs.
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