SFA Awards

The Small Firms Association National Small Business Awards 2026. At Microfinance Ireland, we are proudly sponsoring the Emerging New Business category.








Front row L to R:  Paula Egan, Sage, Andy Tallon, Interpath, Geraldine Magnier, Chairperson SFA,  An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, David Broderick, Director SFA, Des McCarthy, Microfinance Ireland, Noeleen Lowry, DeCare, Shane McCullough, SBCI
Back Row L to R: Stewart Hickey, NSAI, Declan Fennell, Bord Bia, Dave Flynn, Skillnet Ireland, Enda McDonnell, Enterprise Ireland, Paul Dunne, Elavon, Sean Farrell, ptsb







Front row L to R:  Paula Egan, Sage, Andy Tallon, Interpath, Geraldine Magnier, Chairperson SFA,  An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, David Broderick, Director SFA, Des McCarthy, Microfinance Ireland, Noeleen Lowry, DeCare, Shane McCullough, SBCI
Back Row L to R: Stewart Hickey, NSAI, Declan Fennell, Bord Bia, Dave Flynn, Skillnet Ireland, Enda McDonnell, Enterprise Ireland, Paul Dunne, Elavon, Sean Farrell, ptsb

The Small Firms Association (SFA) National Small Business Awards 2026 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 fewer than 50 people), members or non-members of the SFA, have until 5 pm on the 24th of October 2025 to enter free of charge. Don't miss your chance to join the ranks of these remarkable Irish companies. Submit your entry today!

At Microfinance Ireland, we are proudly sponsoring the Emerging New Business category.

This category aims to award emerging entrepreneurs that have the potential to grow their companies into successful organisations which will be innovative, create employment and have the ability to win the SFA National Small Business Award in the future.

Applications for the 2026 Awards are now Open! 

The Emerging New Business category

Companies who are serious about progressing their business, recognising the efforts of their staff and celebrating their achievements to date should consider entering these awards. Taking part will focus your organisation to think strategically about the future.

Entry Requirements

Award entrants must comply with the following entry criteria:

All small businesses may enter up to a maximum of 50 employees. (This includes staff employed in the company on a fixed-term contract basis in excess of 12 months, and part-time staff who work in excess of 20 hours per week but excluding temporary agency workers).
Be within two years of starting your business.
Not be a branch of another business.
Franchises can enter.
Businesses/individuals can be nominated by other associated professionals (e.g. professional advisers, training providers, accountants etc.).

Prize Package

Five businesses will be short-listed as winners in the Emerging New Business category and will each receive:

A comprehensive strategic masterclass weekend sponsored by Skillnet Ireland which will include communications, media and presentation skills training.
An interview/profile in a specially commissioned Irish Independent Awards Supplement.
Free participation in the SFA Business Connect event.
Three complementary tickets to the Gala Awards Ceremony.
All Five Winners will be presented with their certificate at the RDS for the Gala Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 05 March, 2026.
Click here for more information

Watch this video to hear from Microfinance Ireland CEO – Des McCarthy where he tells us about the Emerging New Business category