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The Small Firms Association (SFA) National Small Business Awards 2026 have been officially launched by Awards Patron, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. NSAI is returning this year as the proud sponsor of the Innovation category. Now in its twenty second year, these awards celebrate the achievements, innovation, and excellence of small businesses in Ireland and recognise the vital contribution of the small business community to the Irish economy.

Small firms (employing less than 50 people) have from 2nd September until 24th October 2025 to enter. There is also an option to nominate a business to receive an award.

Speaking at the launch, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said:

“I am delighted to launch this year’s SFA National Small Business Awards, which recognise the talent and ambition of small businesses across Ireland. Small businesses are at the heart of our economy and our communities. They embody the innovation, hard work and resilience that have always driven Ireland forward.

“Through the SFA National Small Business Awards, we honour their achievements and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. With current uncertainty in the global economic environment, it is vital that our small businesses are strong, adaptable, and ready to meet any challenge. The Government will continue to work with them to grow our economy and ensure Ireland remains an attractive place to do business.”

Head of Business Excellence at NSAI, Stewart Hickey continued:

“NSAI is proud to sponsor the Innovation category at this year’s SFA National Business Awards. Innovation is more than just new ideas - it’s about creating value through change. At NSAI, we support Irish businesses create value through internationally recognised standards such as ISO 56000 for Innovation Management. These tools give companies a structured way to innovate, manage risks, and compete on the global stage.”

The Awards are free to enter and the prize package for all finalists is valued at €50,000. This includes a strategic management masterclass weekend, participation in SFA Business MentorsWork Programme as well as in the SFA Business Connect event where they will be able to showcase their products and services to an audience of over three hundred attendees. It also includes broad-ranging national and local media coverage, and each finalist company will feature in a special supplement in the Irish Independent on the day of the Gala Presentation of Prizes which takes place in RDS Concert Hall on Thursday, 5th March 2026 when the category winners and overall winner will be announced. Finalists also receive three complementary tickets to this ceremony.

The category winners will be presented with a trophy and free membership of the Small Firms Association for 2026. The SFA National Business Awards are open to all companies in Ireland with up to fifty employees and the categories are:

  • Innovation - supported by National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI)
  • Manufacturing - supported by PTSB
  • Food and Drink - supported by Bord Bia
  • Services - supported by Sage
  • Outstanding Small Business - up to five employees - supported by Elavon
  • Sustainability - supported by Strategic Banking Corporation Ireland (SBCI)
  • Workplace Wellbeing - supported by DeCare
  • Exporter of the Year - supported by Enterprise Ireland
  • Family Business - supported by Interpath
  • Skillnet Ireland is supporting the management training for the programme.

In addition, the five best “Emerging New Businesses” - (companies who are less than two years in existence) - supported by Microfinance Ireland, will be selected. These are companies that have the potential to grow and have the ability to be an SFA National Small Business Award winner in the future.

Entrants may enter the category of their choice and have the option to enter more than one category but must complete a separate entry form for each one they chose.

Concluding, Chairperson of the SFA, Geraldine Magnier said:

“It is important to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that runs deep in communities across the country. The SFA National Small Business Awards is a tribute to the success and endeavour of the 270,000 small businesses who collectively employ around 43 percent of private sector workforce. Small businesses continue to demonstrate resilience amid so much global uncertainty, and I look forward to celebrating all our category winners and overall winner next March.”

To celebrate NSAI's support for the SFA National Small Business Awards 2026 Innovation category, NSAI is delighted to offer a 10% discount off the cost of buying standards by using Innovation26 at checkout at www.standards.ie.

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