National Small Business Awards 2025 Finalists announced

• Finalists announced in the SFA National Small Business Awards 2025
• 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 2025 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 response to the awards programme highlights the resilience of Irish small businesses, who continue to put their best foot forward in seeking recognition for their hard work," said Sue O’Neill. "In addition to our nine award categories, we're also showcasing five outstanding Emerging New Businesses (established less than two years ago), and it's clear that entrepreneurship is thriving across Ireland."

"The Small Firms Association remains committed to celebrating the achievements of small business owners. With 273,000 small businesses employing almost half of Ireland's private sector workforce, these awards shine a spotlight on excellence, innovation, and success across every sector and region of the country," she added.

Speaking at the launch of the awards, 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.”

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

MANUFACTURING CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 50 employees)

Sponsored by ptsb

Scatterbox – Co. Meath

ALS Identify - Dublin

Hygeia - Galway

Lawrence Engineering – Co. Sligo

Leinster Environmentals – Co. Louth

ULTRAPURE Laboratories – Co. Mayo

FOOD & DRINK CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 50 employees)

Sponsored by Bord Bia

Builíin Blasta – Galway

Carlingford Oyster Company – Co. Louth

Drink Botanicals Ireland - Dublin

Shines Seafoods – Co. Donegal

The Delicious Food Co. - Dublin

Zingibeer - Dublin

SERVICES CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 50 Employees)

Sponsored by SAGE

3Q Recruitment - Dublin

ASafe Global – Co. Clare

RedSky Europe - Kilkenny

ROCTEL - Dublin

SolarSmart Energy –Dublin

ZEUS Mobility – Co. Carlow

OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to five employees)

Sponsored by Elavon

Agile Executives - Dublin

GP Practice Ally – Co. Wicklow

Happy Cubs - Dublin

IO Agri – Co. Cavan

Jack Murphy Clothing – Co. Dublin

The Smooth Company – Co. Dublin

INNOVATION CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 50 employees)

Sponsored by National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)

EcoVolt - Dublin

Hugh J Ward & Co Solicitors - Dublin

Klearcom - Waterford

Oriel Marine Extracts – Co. Louth

ROCTEL - Dublin

Total Plastic Solution – Co. Limerick

RETAIL CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 50 employees)

Sponsored by One4all Rewards

Dublin Herbalists – Co. Tipperary

Nutty Delights - Dublin

Rugs.ie - Cork

Jack Murphy Clothing – Co. Dublin

The Smooth Company – Co. Dublin

Nibbed – Co. Galway

EXPORTER OF THE YEAR CATOGARY FINALISTS (up to 50 employees)

Sponsored by Enterprise Ireland

Aterim - Dublin

Carlingford Oyster Company – Co. Louth

Drink Botanicals Ireland - Dublin

Klearcom - Waterford

Oriel Marine Extracts – Co. Louth

RedSky Europe - Kilkenny

VOYA –Sligo

SUSTAINABILITY CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 59 employees)

Sponsored by Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI)

Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway – Co. Leitrim

Hygeia - Galway

Oriel Marine Extracts – Co. Louth

Re-Cycle Bikes – Co. Dublin

Velo Coffee Roasters - Cork

Active Tribe – Co. Wexford

WORKPLACE WELLBEING CATEGORY FINALISTS (up to 50 employees)

Sponsored by DeCare

3Q Recruitment - Dublin

VOYA –Sligo

ContractingPLUS - Dublin

Employee Financial Wellness - Dublin

OnePageCRM - Galway

PD Ceramics Ltd. - Galway

EMERGING NEW BUSINESS WINNERS (up to 50 employees, under 2 years in business)

Sponsored by Microfinance Ireland

Your Friend, My Friend - Dublin

Eco Powered Cabinets – Co. Mayo

RealSafe App - Dublin

Copper Coast Renewables – Co Waterford

Colectivo – Co. Meath

The Awards prize package for ALL finalists includes participation in a strategic management masterclass weekend during January as well as the SFA Business Connect event at Killashee Hotel next February 6th. All benefit from broad-ranging national and local media coverage valued at €50,000. Finalists also receive three complimentary tickets to the Gala Prize Winning Ceremony to take place in the RDS on March 26 2025 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 for one year.

Ends.

EDITOR’S NOTES:

• Interviews with the finalist companies and emerging new business winner can be arranged through the SFA. Contact: Naira Ludescher, Digital Marketing & Events Executive, SFA, naira.ludescher@sfa.ie
• For general media queries please contact Jonathan McDade, Public Affairs Lead with the SFA, jonathan.mcdade@sfa.ie
• Full details are on www.sfaawards.ie or follow us on LinkedIn
• @SFA_Irl #SFAAwards2025.