The 2025-2026 application window will start on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. The deadline for submissions is 5PM on Friday, 24 October. 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 5PM on Friday, 24 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