Small businesses will be front and centre on the nation's most-watched television programme this week when The Late Late Show hosts its 'Taking Care of Business' special featuring Christmas gift ideas from Irish SMEs.

The RTÉ programme put out a national call for SMEs to apply to feature on the show, with hundreds of firms putting their names forward and 16 entrepreneurs being selected to showcase their products.

Business owners who previously appeared on the 'Taking Care of Business' special will also return to share the impact it has had on their businesses, and three deserving businesses will be awarded a €15,000 bursary on the night.

Aimee Connolly, founder of Sculpted by Aimee, will also appear to talk about how she turned her part-time retail job into a multi-million-euro enterprise, while architect Hugh Wallace will introduce a range of cutting-edge Irish design products for the home.

Prof Luke O'Neill will champion some innovative technological products, and leading culinary talent Anna Haugh will introduce some innovative Irish food products and talk about her new role judging MasterChef: the Professionals.

In Association with

The Late Late Show will be devoted to promoting the very best of what Irish businesses have to offer across various sectors and will exhibit a host of products from dozens of additional Irish businesses throughout the show, RTÉ said in a statement.

Photo: Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy. (Pic: RTÉ)