Emerging New Business

Supported by:

The Emerging New Business Winners in the SFA Awards 2026 are:

• Biovit Technologies
• Career Navigator
• ealu
• Four Acre Foods
• Irish Camper Goods

Congratulations to all winners!

Judging Criteria for this category:
This category aims to award emerging entrepreneurs that have the potential to grow their companies into successful organisations which will be innovative, create employment and have the ability to win the SFA National Small Business Award in the future.

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 within two years of starting your business.
• 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:

Five businesses will be short-listed as winners in the Emerging New Business category and will each receive:

• 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 the SFA Business Connect event
• Three complementary tickets to the Gala Awards Ceremony
• All Five Winners will be presented with their certificate at the RDS for the Gala Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 05 March, 2026