Exporter of the Year

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Applications for the SFA Awards 2022-2023 are now open! Apply before 27 October 2022 at 5pm.

Apply for Exporter of the Year here after reading all criteria below.

Why Enter?
Companies who are serious about progressing their business, recognising the efforts of their staff and celebrating their achievements to date should consider entering these awards. Taking part will focus your organisation to think strategically about the future.

Judging Criteria for this category:
This category aims to award outstanding achievement in companies who currently export from the island of Ireland. The company should have a proven track record in export, demonstrate its current export strategy including plans for growth in existing and new markets.

Entry Requirements:
Award entrants must comply with the following entry criteria:

  • All small businesses may enter up to a maximum of 50 employees. (This includes staff employed in the company on a fixed-term contract basis in excess of 12 months, and part-time staff who work in excess of 20 hours per week but excluding temporary agency workers).
  • Be in operation at least 2 years in the Republic of Ireland.
  • Not be a branch of another business.
  • Franchises can enter.
  • Businesses/individuals can be nominated by other associated professionals (e.g. professional advisers, training providers, accountants etc.).

Entry Process

Separate applications must be submitted for each category you wish to enter. Once you start your application, you can save and resume it to complete and submit within 14 days.

All applications will be reviewed by the Judging Panel once the application window has closed and Finalists will then be announced - all applicants will be notified of their status whether or not they are successful.

2023 Prize Package

All Finalists

  • A comprehensive strategic masterclass weekend sponsored by Skillnet Ireland which will include communications, media and presentation skills training
  • An interview/profile in a specially commissioned Irish Independent Awards Supplement
  • Free participation in SFA Business Connect Event
  • Five complementary tickets to the Gala Awards Ceremony
  • A finalist certificate

Category Winners

  • Award trophy - presented at a Gala Awards Ceremony.
  • One year free membership of the Small Firms Association

Overall Winner

  • The Overall Winner will be presented with a winner trophy at the RDS for the Gala Awards Ceremony on 9 March, 2023
  • An annual bursary of €5,000 has been very kindly donated by 2020 winner KORE Insulation. The overall winner may nominate their charity of choice to receive this bursary.