The SFA National Small Business Awards 2011 have been launched by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, TD. 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 the Irish economy.
“The SFA National Small Business Awards provides us with a valuable opportunity to recognise and showcase Ireland’s entrepreneurial talent,” Mr Cowen said at the launch. “These awards acknowledge the important role small businesses have to play in leading our return to economic growth and job creation. The Government recognises that this is a very challenging period for small businesses, as it is for the country as a whole, and are working to support them by improving competitiveness, ensuring a flow of credit, maintaining supportive tax measures, and reducing the regulatory burden for business.”
Connemara Seafoods, based in Westport, was the overall winner in 2009. “The SFA award lifted all our spirits and fuelled a renewed energy to face challenges that so often appear insurmountable,” said the company’s managing director, Andy Molloy. “Winning this award adds a dimension to our market positioning that helps us re-confirm our relationships with our existing customers and gives us an edge in winning new business.”
Entries to the awards will now be accepted until 5.30pm on Friday October 29 and entry forms are available online at www.sfa.ie/awards The categories for award entrants are: Manufacturing — up to 50 employees, sponsored by Chartered Accountants Ireland; Food and Drink — up to 50 employees, sponsored by Bord Bia; Services — up to 50 employees, sponsored by eircom; Outstanding Small Business — up to five employees, sponsored by AIB; Innovator of the Year — up to 50 employees, sponsored by Enterprise Ireland; Environmental Sustainability – up to 50 employees, sponsored by Sustainable Energy Ireland.
