SFA Launches inaugural "National Small Business Awards"

- An Taoiseach to act as Patron.

- Ireland's Top Companies join forces in a truly unique business event.

-Click here to download SFA Application form (PDF 540kb)

The inaugural "SFA National Small Business Awards", partnered by O2 Ireland and Bank of Ireland Business Banking, were officially launched by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, TD, today at 12 noon in Government Buildings. 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.

Speaking at the launch, An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, TD, stated that "the importance of small businesses to the Irish economy cannot be underestimated. They represent the seedbed of innovation and creativity that have driven much of our economic development in recent years. I pay tribute to the Small Firms Association for having the foresight to bring about these Awards. Not only will these awards recognise the outstanding contribution of our small business community, they will also spur further innovation and creativity. That is critical for the future growth of enterprise in Ireland. As Taoiseach, I am honoured to act as Patron to these Awards. I would encourage small businesses in every county in Ireland to actively participate in the Awards.

"The SFA is partnered by O2 Ireland and Bank of Ireland Business Banking in presenting the awards. Sponsorship for individual category awards is being provided by FedEx, Enterprise Ireland, O'Briens Irish Sandwich Bars, FAS and Cellular World.

SFA Chairwoman and Awards Director, Angela Kennedy commented that "A lot of people pay lip service to the importance of small firms in Ireland. Yet more than 50% of investment in this country comes from the 178,000 small enterprises that form the backbone of the Irish business community, creating over 146,000 jobs and producing 60% of gross domestic product." Speaking from her own experience as a recipient of the '1993 New South Wales Small Business of the Year' in Australia, she added that "small firms tend to be inward-looking. This competition will help them think outside the box by benchmarking against 'best of class' in similar organisations and generate new ideas for growing their business. Everyone has an equal chance of success. When you win, it's a great boost for the morale, both personally and professionally, and it encourages you to innovate even further. Everyone asks about your plans for the future and it really drives you to achieve excellence in all aspects of your business".

Entries to the awards will be accepted from Thursday, 2nd September to Friday, 24th September, and forms will be available from all the partner organisations and online at www.sfa.ie/awards . The categories for award entrants are: Small Business - up to five employees, sponsored by O2; Manufacturing - up to 50 employees, sponsored by Enterprise Ireland; Services - up to 50 employees, sponsored by Bank of Ireland Business Banking; Retail - up to 50 employees, sponsored by O'Brien's Irish Sandwich Bars; Best Training Initiative - up to 50 employees, sponsored by FAS; Innovator of the Year - up to 50 employees, sponsored by Cellular World; and Overall Winner - sponsored by FedEx. There will be six category prizes of Eur5,000 each as well as a Services/Solutions Award by the category sponsor. The overall winner will also receive a Eur10,000 cash prize and a Services/Solutions Accolade from O2 Ireland and Bank of Ireland Business Banking.

Commenting, Paul Whelan, Chief Financial Officer, O2 Ireland, said: "O2 is a leading provider of mobile services to a wide variety of small businesses throughout Ireland. We pride ourselves on the high quality of the services that we offer to small businesses through our O2 stores, our extensive dealer network and our very experienced business support teams. Our sponsorship of the SFA awards further demonstrates our continued commitment to the small business sector. We are delighted to be associated with the SFA in this outstanding initiative which recognises and rewards both innovation and entrepreneurship among small businesses.

"According to Cathal Muckian, Director of Bank of Ireland Business Banking, "Bank of Ireland has a long history of supporting Irish businesses and has consequently developed an in-depth understanding of their needs and challenges. Through over 270 business branches nation-wide, we offer an unrivalled range of financial services designed to support all business needs, including start up, day to day running, growing and safeguarding. We are committed to looking after all aspects of business banking better than anyone else and we are delighted to partner the Small Firms Association in this year's National Small Firms Awards."

A top-class judging panel has been assembled, the function of which will be to select, highlight, and reward the most dynamic and innovative small businesses in Ireland. The panel will include: Angela Kennedy, Awards Director and Chairwoman of the SFA; Gerry McQuaid, Commercial Director of O2; Cathal Muckian, Director of Bank of Ireland Business Banking; Brian O'Kane, Managing Director of Oaktree Press and author of numerous business books; Frank Roche, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Smurfit School of Business; Padraig O'Ceidigh, Managing Director of Aer Arann; and Richard Curran, Business Editor of The Irish Independent.

Gala Awards Receptions will be held in Galway on 11 November; Dublin on 18 November; Cork on 23 November; and Kilkenny on 24 November. The presentation to the Award Winners will take place at a Gala Awards Banquet in the Berkeley Court Hotel, Dublin on 24 February 2005.