Outstanding Small Business

Supported by:

The Finalists in the Outstanding Small Business category of the SFA Awards 2026 are:

• Donna Reilly People & Wellness
• Louise Corrigan Law
• Pawpear
• Pure Water Window Cleaning
• Sligo Surf Experience
• The Nude Wine Company

Congratulations to all finalists!

Judging Criteria for this category:
This category aims to award outstanding achievement, innovative business concept, growth and good management skills for a company with 5 employees or less. To be successful in this category, you should demonstrate that you had clear goals to support your vision, progress towards goals (growth), market/industry presence (domestic and/or overseas), customers and business goals for the future.

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

• All small businesses may enter up to a maximum of 5 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.).

2026 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
• Three complementary tickets to the Gala Awards Ceremony
• A finalist certificate

Category Winners

• Award trophy - presented at a Gala Awards Ceremony
• Free membership of the Small Firms Association for 2026

Overall Winner

• The Overall Winner will be presented with a winner trophy at the RDS for the Gala Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 05 March 2026