SFA National Small Business Awards 2026 Finalists announced
SFA National Small Business Awards 2026 Finalists announcement
- Finalists announced in the SFA National Small Business Awards 2026
- Taoiseach says the awards shine a spotlight on the companies that are the beating heart of our thriving cities, towns and villages throughout our country
The finalists in the SFA National Business Awards 2026 have been officially announced by Sue O’Neill, Chair of the SFA Awards Judging Panel. The aim of the awards is to celebrate the achievements of small business in Ireland and to recognise the vital contribution of the small business sector to Irish industry.
“The strong engagement with this year’s awards programme shows the continued resilience and determination of Ireland’s small businesses, who consistently strive for recognition of their hard work,” said Sue O’Neill. “Alongside our nine award categories, we are also highlighting five exceptional Emerging New Businesses—each established within the last two years—and it’s clear that entrepreneurship continues to flourish across the country.”
“The Small Firms Association remains dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of small business owners. With 273,000 small firms employing nearly half of Ireland’s private-sector workforce, these awards shine a light on excellence, innovation and success across all sectors and regions,” she added.
Speaking at the launch of the awards, An Taoiseach, Micheál said: “Through the SFA National Small Business Awards, we honour their achievements and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. With current uncertainty in the global economic environment, it is vital that our small businesses are strong, adaptable, and ready to meet any challenge. The Government will continue to work with them to grow our economy and ensure Ireland remains an attractive place to do business.”
53 companies have been selected from 16 different counties, across ten categories.
MANUFACTURING CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 50 employees)
Sponsored by PTSB
Applied Concepts – Offaly
Garnacha – Dublin
Helio Gas Detection – Cork
Hygeia - Galway
K Factory Print & Embroidery – Dublin
Lawrence Engineering – Sligo
FOOD & DRINK CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 50 employees)
Sponsored by Bord Bia
Builíin Blasta – Galway
Burren Smokehouse - Clare
Carlingford Oyster Company – Louth
Dromod Boxty - Leitrim
HYDE IRISH WHISKEY – Cork
Pizza da Piero - Dublin
SERVICES CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 50 Employees)
Sponsored by Sage
3Q Recruitment - Dublin
Aureol Global Connections - Dublin
Company Bureau – Dublin
Future Direct Professional Services - Dublin
KDA Doyle Kelly Accountants - Wexford
Laochra Academy - Cavan
OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to five employees)
Sponsored by Elavon
Donna Reilly People & Wellness – Dublin
Louise Corrigan Law - Kildare
Pawpear – Waterford
Pure Water Window Cleaning - Wexford
Sligo Surf Experience - Sligo
The Nude Wine Company - Kildare
INNOVATION (up to 50 employees)
Sponsored by National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
An Even Better Place to Work - Mayo
JPK Fencing - Galway
Profitsflow - Wexford
Recaptureone - Kildare
The Career Coach - Dublin
The Skibbereen Food Company - Cork
FAMILY BUSINESS CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 50 employees)
Sponsored by Interpath
Boxty House - Dublin
Dromod Boxty - Leitrim
Howth Cliff Cruises - Dublin
Kilkenny Architectural Salvage & Antiques - Kilkenny
N.A.A. - Dublin
Rainey & Co. - Dublin
EXPORTER OF THE YEAR CATOGARY FINALISTS (up to 50 employees)
Sponsored by Enterprise Ireland
Adams & Butler - Dublin
Aterim - Dublin
Avem Market Solutions - Galway
Green Streets Environmental Resources – Dublin
Helio Gas Detection - Cork
Lawrence Engineering - Sligo
SUSTAINABILITY CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 59 employees)
Sponsored by Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI)
Burren Smokehouse - Clare
Dingle Sea Salt – Kerry
Hemp Heros – Wicklow
Hygeia - Galway
Rock Farm Eco Tourism - Meath
Tom Crean Brewery Kenmare - Kerry
WORKPLACE WELLBEING CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 50 employees)
Sponsored by DeCare
3Q Recruitment - Dublin
Donna Reilly People & Wellness - Dublin
Engage People - Dublin
MW Health and Safety - Cork
PHE Engineering & Architecture - Galway
Simpson Jones - Wicklow
EMERGING NEW BUSINESS CATEGORY (up to 50 employees, under 2 years in business)
Sponsored by Microfinance Ireland
Biovit Technologies – Dublin
Career Navigator - Dublin
ealu - Wicklow
Four Acre Foods - Meath
Irish Camper Goods - Galway
The Awards prize package for ALL finalists is valued at €50,000 and includes participation in a strategic management masterclass weekend during January, as well as exhibition opportunity at the SFA Business Connect event at Killashee Hotel next February. All benefit from broad-ranging national and local media coverage. Finalists also receive three complimentary tickets to the Gala Prize Winning Ceremony to take place in the RDS in March 2026, when category prize winners and the overall winner will be announced. The Category winners will be presented with a trophy and free membership of the Small Firms Association the year.
Ends.
EDITOR’S NOTES:
- Interviews with the finalist companies and emerging new business winners can be arranged through the SFA. Contact: Naira Ludescher, Projects & Marketing Executive, SFA, ludescher@sfa.ie
- Full details are on sfaawards.ie or follow us on Twitter:
- @SFA_Irl #SFAAwards2026.
