The Small Firms Association (SFA) National Small Business Awards 2017 have been launched by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, entries for which will be received until October 21 this year.

The SFA awards are free to enter and are pitched at businesses employing fewer than 50 people. The prize package for all finalists includes an exhibition stand at the SFA National Small Business Showcase in the RDS in February 2017, as well as national and local media coverage valued at €50,000.

The category winners will be presented with a trophy and free membership of the SFA. The overall winner will also receive a bursary of €5,000 to present to a charity of their choice, as well as a responsible business practices check-up and action plan from Business in the Community Ireland.

The award categories are:

+ Manufacturing
+ Food and Drink
+ Services
+ Outstanding Small Business — up to five employees
+ Innovator of the Year
+ Sustainable Energy
+ Small Business Exporter of the Year

In Association with

In addition, five best ‘Emerging New Businesses’ (companies who are less than two years in existence) will be selected on the basis of their future growth potential.

Speaking at the launch, Enda Kenny said, “Across Ireland there are thousands of people who go to work every day in small firms and they play an important role in our economy. It is fantastic to have these awards to highlight the success of many Irish businesses and their constant drive to improve and seek new markets.”

SFA director Patricia Callan added: “We have to ensure government focus on developing a pro-business, progressive climate. This will allow us to create the environment where business and enterprise thrive, where risk is rewarded and where the subsequent wealth creation can be redistributed throughout society.”

The prize-giving ceremony for the SFA awards will be held in the RDS in March 2017.

Photo: Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, and Patricia Callan, SFA director, with the various SFA awards sponsors