Taoiseach Launches SFA National Small Business Awards 2025

The Small Firms Association (SFA) National Small Business Awards 2025 have been officially launched by Awards Patron, Taoiseach Simon Harris, TD. Now in its twenty first 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.

Small firms (employing fewer than 50 people) have from 23 September until 25 October 2024 to enter free of charge on www.sfaawards.ie There is also an option to nominate a business to receive an award.

Speaking at the launch, Taoiseach, Simon Harris said: “The SFA National Small Business Awards is an opportunity to celebrate and promote the countless examples of entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity across Ireland’s small business community. For over two decades it has been shining a spotlight on the companies that are the beating heart of our thriving cities, towns and villages throughout our country. The Government is deeply aware of their importance to our continued economic success and we are committed to ensuring that such businesses can continue to thrive and prosper long into the future.”

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 Mentor’s Work 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 300 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 Wednesday, 26 March 2025 when the category winners and overall winner will be announced. Finalists also receive three complementary tickets to this ceremony. The category winners will be presented with a trophy and free membership of the Small Firms Association for one year. The SFA National Business Awards are open to all companies in Ireland with up to 50 employees and the categories are:

• Manufacturing - supported by PTSB
• Food and Drink – supported by Bord Bia
• Services – supported by Sage
• Outstanding Small Business — up to five employees – supported by Elavon
• Innovation – supported by National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI)
• Sustainability – supported by Strategic Banking Corporation Ireland (SBCI)
• Workplace Wellbeing – supported by DeCare
• Exporter of the Year – supported by Enterprise Ireland
• Retail – supported by One4all Rewards.
• Skillnet Ireland is supporting the management training for the programme.

In addition, the five best “Emerging New Businesses”- (companies who are less than two years in existence) – supported by Microfinance Ireland will be selected. These are companies that have the potential to grow and have the ability to be an SFA National Small Business Award winner in the future. The awards media partner is Irish Independent.

Entrants may enter the category of their choice and have the option to enter more than one category but must complete a separate entry form for each one they chose. www.sfaawards.ie

Chair of the SFA, Geraldine Magnier said: “The SFA National Small Business Awards are a celebration of the achievements of the 270,000 small firms in Ireland, who collectively employ over 850,000 people, half the private sector workforce. As many companies experience challenging times at present, it is very important to promote excellence, achievement and innovation amongst small businesses in all sectors and parts of the country. I am really looking forward to celebrating all our category winners and overall winner next March.”

Ends

For interviews contact: David Broderick, SFA Director, tel: 01 605 1649 or 087 6371475 or e-mail: david.broderick@sfa.ie

EDITOR’S NOTES:

Photographs from the launch of the Awards are available on request from Jonathan McDade SFA Public Affairs Lead, email: jonathan.mcdade@sfa.ie, 353 01 605 1688 or M: +353 87 625 3551 or directly from photographer Kenneth O’Halloran, email: kennethohalloran@gmail.com

Entries to the awards will be accepted until 5.00pm on Wednesday 25 October, and entry forms are available online at www.sfaawards.ie