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 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. Business Bulletin “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.” 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. 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 (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 CATEGORY (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 Photo: Geraldine Magnier, Chair, SFA and David Broderick, Director, SFA presenting the overall winner of the SFA Small Business Awards 2024 to James Loughran, Managing Director, Leinster Environmental. Picture Conor McCabe photography.
