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.”

53 companies have been selected from 16 different counties, across ten categories.

 

Awards / Your questions answered

Request more information

The 2025-2026 application window is now closed. Dates for the 2026-2027 edition will be available in due time. You can subscribe t be contacted once the applications are open via this form. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact awards@sfa.ie or call 01 605 1776.

To enter your company in the SFA National Small Business Awards, all you need to do is submit an application for any category which you can find on the categories page here. Please read all details regarding applying for the Awards here first, and make sure you read all criteria for each category before you start your application.

You can apply for as many categories as you wish, but must submit an individual application for each category that you wish to be considered for. You must submit an application before the deadline.

No, you don't need to be a member of the SFA to apply for the awards. The competition is open to any business with 50 employees or less in Ireland. Please read the criteria for the categories you wish to apply on the categories page.

If you feel there is a company who warrants to be recognised for their achievements, you may nominate them. All you have to do is to fill out the online nomination form and we will personally contact the company to invite them to apply for the Awards.

It is important to note that you can nominate a company but the company themselves have to make the official entry into the programme - a nomination is NOT an entry.

It is not required to be nominated to apply for the Awards - anyone that fits the category criteria can submit an application.

Once the application process closes at 12PM on Tuesday, 28 October the Judging process will begin. Finalists will be announced in November, and all companies will be contacted regarding their applications and whether or not they successfully made it to the next round.

If you have any questions please contact Naira Ludescher on 01 605 1776 or email awards@sfa.ie

 

Our Sponsors

Partners

Network / Follow SFA on social media