Offaly company nominated for SFA National Small Business Award

The finalists in the SFA National Business Awards 2026 have been officially announced by Sue O’Neill, Chair of the SFA Awards Judging Panel and Offaly company Applied Concepts has been nominated in the manufacturing category.

Applied Concepts is one of six nominees for the award alongside Garnacha – Dublin, Helio Gas Detection – Cork, Hygeia – Galway, K Factory Print & Embroidery – Dublin, Lawrence Engineering – Sligo.

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 5th. 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 5th 2026 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.

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.

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“The strong engagement with this year’s awards programme shows the continued resilience and determination of Ireland’s small businesses, who consistently strive for recognition of their hard work,” said Sue O’Neill, chairperson of the SFA awards judging panel. “Alongside our nine award categories, we are also highlighting five exceptional Emerging New Businesses—each established within the last two years—and it’s clear that entrepreneurship continues to flourish across the country.”

“The Small Firms Association remains dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of small business owners. With 273,000 small firms employing nearly half of Ireland’s private-sector workforce, these awards shine a light on excellence, innovation and success across all sectors and regions,” she added.

Speaking at the launch of the awards, An Taoiseach, Micheál said: “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.”

53 companies have been selected from 16 different counties, across ten categories.

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