The finalists in the Small Firms Association National Small Business Awards 2016 have been officially announced by SFA Chairman AJ Noonan.
The SFA Small Business Awards are designed to recognise the contributions of the small business sector to Irish industry, while also celebrating the achievements of individual firms.
“The response to the awards programme serves as a reminder that Irish small companies are resilient, putting their best foot forward and seeking recognition for their efforts,” Noonan, who is also acting as Chair of the Awards' Judging Panel, commented.
“The companies that have been announced as finalists this year represent all that is good about small business. The people behind these companies are dynamic, diligent and determined,” he added.
This year, along with the SFA’s usual seven categories, the awards will feature five of the best ‘Emerging New Businesses’ – successful businesses that have been established for less than two years.
Patron of the Awards, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny commented, “Supporting our small firms is essential to the Government's strategy of securing the recovery and spreading it to every part of the country.”
Each finalist will be given their own exhibition stand at the SFA National Small Business Showcase in February 2016, as well as a strategic management masterclass weekend, a voucher for a Skillnets ManagementWorks management team/CEO course, and national and local media coverage.
Finalists also receive five complementary tickets to the Gala prize giving ceremony, taking place in March 2016, where the category winners and overall winner will be announced.
The category winners will be rewarded with a trophy and free membership of the Small Firms Association, while the Overall Winner will receive a bursary of €5,000 to present to a charity of their choice.
Information about the awards, including a list of the finalists, can be found on the SFA’s website.
Pictured L-R: Patricia Callan, Director, SFA, AJ Noonan, Chairman, SFA and Suzanne Brown, Clevamama, winner of SFA National Small Business Overall Award 2015. Credit: Gary O'Neill
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
