Raise Your Startup’s Visibility & Credibility By Entering These Competitions

Approached with intent, awards can be far more than a nice logo on a startup’s pitch deck. Ireland’s startup ecosystem is small, highly connected, and driven by trust, which means that credible signals travel fast. A strong showing in the right competition can quietly validate your idea, your team, and your execution in the eyes of investors, partners, and agencies like Enterprise Ireland.

The prize money is often secondary. The real value lies in the visibility, introductions, and third-party endorsement that can otherwise take months to earn. That said, competitions only pay off when they align with where the business is going next – fundraising, partnerships, or market entry. Entered selectively and strategically, they can compress credibility and momentum into a single moment, helping a young startup stand taller in a crowded field.

Entering awards forces founders to clarify their story under pressure, to distil months of hard work into a few compelling minutes, and to confront questions they might have skirted in quieter settings. It’s a mirror for the business itself – forcing reflection on what really matters, what resonates, and where the gaps are. Simply participating can spark conversations with potential mentors, partners, or collaborators who may not have noticed the startup otherwise.

Here is your guide to nearly 30 of the top business awards around the country that accept entries from smaller/early-stage ventures.

General business competitions

National Small Business Awards

• Organised by: the Small Firms Association (IBEC)
• Key dates: Applications open in September and close in October. The gala ceremony is in March.

For small firms employing fewer than 50 people across all sectors. The categories include Manufacturing, Exporter of the Year, Innovation, Sustainability, Workplace Wellbeing, Services, Retail, Family Business, and Emerging New Business (for companies less than two years old). The prize package for finalists is valued at €50,000 including strategic management masterclass weekends, mentoring, media coverage in the Irish Independent, and tickets to the gala.

https://www.ibec.ie/sfa/sfa-awards

Guaranteed Irish Business Awards

• Organised by: Guaranteed Irish
• Key dates: The gala ceremony is in March.

You must be a Guaranteed Irish member to enter. The categories include Sustainability, Retail, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare, Professional Services, Home and Lifestyle, Beauty, Family Run Business, and Business Support Solutions. The overall winner receives a €20,000 prize package.

https://www.guaranteedirish.ie/giba

Irish Made Awards

• Organised by: Irish Country Magazine
• Key dates: Entries typically close in June. The ceremony is in October.

Focused on products made in Ireland, categories include Fashion, Accessories, Jewellery, Beauty, Wellness, Home, Food, Drink, Kids, Pets, Gift, and Sustainability. The overall winner gets a €20,000 prize.

https://irishcountrymagazine.ie

Irish Micro Business Awards

• Organised by: Irish Country Magazine
• Key dates: Applications close in January. The ceremony is in October.

For sole traders, micro businesses, and micro companies, categories include Reinvention with Attitude, Family Business, Food & Drink Heroes, Planet Champion/Green Champion, Sports Excellence, Event Services & Support, Young Entrepreneur, and Start-Up Star.

https://irishmicrobusinessawards.ie

US-Ireland Business Awards

• Organised by: the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland (AmCham)
• Key dates: The application deadline is in December. The ceremony is in May.

For organisations that have strengthened the US-Ireland business, trade, and investment relationship under the three categories Global Leadership Award, Global Community Award, and Global Impact Award. Winners are profiled in The Irish Times.

https://www.amcham.ie/us-ireland-business-awards

Ireland France Business Awards

• Organised by: France Ireland Chamber of Commerce
• Key dates: The ceremony takes place in November.

For those who have made an exceptional contribution to the development of trade and investment between France and Ireland, the three categories are Best French Company in Ireland, Best Irish Company in France, and Franco-Irish Trailblazer of the Year.

https://www.franceireland.ie

InBUSINESS Recognition Awards

• Organised by: Chambers Ireland and InBUSINESS Magazine
• Key dates: The ceremony takes place in June.

Entrants are shortlisted by the senior business editorial team and the editor based on achievements. Categories include Best New Business Award, Fintech Company, Digital & Creative Agency Excellence Award, Facilities Management Company, Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Business, Manufacturing Company, Online/E-Commerce Business.

https://inbusinessireland.com

Irish Family Business Awards

• Organised by: Ashville Media Group
• Key dates: The deadline for applications is in August. The ceremony takes place in October.

For family-owned businesses of any size – startup through to large firms. Categories include Food and Drink Producer, Farming, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Engineering Hospitality Business, Sustainable, Tech, and Rising Star Award, plus regional categories.

https://familybusinessawards.ie

LBI Excellence Awards

• Organised by: Lean Business Ireland
• Key dates: The entries deadline is in August. The ceremony takes place in October.

Celebrating excellence across public and private organisations of all scales and sizes, and from across all sectors, this competition is open to businesses that can demonstrate the effective implementation of lean thinking and practices. Categories include Micro Lean Business, Service Innovation & Improvement in Public Services, Sustainability, Digital Innovation & Transformation, and Lean Champion.

https://lbiawards.com

Sustainable Business Impact Awards

• Organised by: Chambers Ireland
• Key dates: Applications open in March. The ceremony takes place in September.

Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, categories include Health & Wellbeing, Environment & Biodiversity, Community Programme, and Partnership with a Social Enterprise. The awards are open to companies of all sizes.

https://chambers.ie/event/sustainable-business-impact-awards

Sustainable Business Awards

• Organised by: Business Post Group
• Key dates: The deadline for entries is in February. The ceremony takes place in October.

Celebrating outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in sustainability across Ireland’s business community, this competition includes a category for small-medium sized companies (50 employees or fewer) displaying exceptional efforts in the environmental sustainability agenda.

https://www.sustainablebusinessawards.ie

Diversity in Business Awards

• Organised by: BusinessRiver
• Key dates: Applications open in December and close in April. The gala takes place in July.

Celebrating Irish organisations that champion diversity and foster a sense of belonging for all, categories for DEI span many sectors such as retail, transport, life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing. Other categories include Rising Star, Small Organisation, DEI Leader, and Social Impact.

https://diversityinbusinessawards.ie

Businesswoman of the Year Awards

• Organised by: Network Ireland
• Key dates: Applications open in March and close in April. The national event is in September.

There are 17 local branch finals, with the winners of these going on to represent their branch at the national awards. Categories include Emerging Businesswoman, Solo Businesswoman, Rising Star, Creative Professional, and STEM Professional.

https://networkireland.ie

Startup and entrepreneurship competitions

Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition

• Organised by: InterTradeIreland
• Key dates: Applications open in March. The awards ceremony is in November.

The perfect chance to get your business ‘investor ready’, with three categories: Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer, and Deep Tech. Seedcorn mirrors the real-life investment process. Participants, who are in with a chance to win a share of a €800,000 cash prize fund, will receive expert feedback on their business ideas and pitches, improve their investor readiness and gain exposure to investors, all while boosting their profile.

https://intertradeireland.com/funding/seedcorn

National Startup Awards

• Organised by: Alchemy Event Management, supported by Enterprise Ireland
• Key dates: Applications close in October. The national finals are in November, with regional rounds during the same month.

For businesses operational for five years or less from incorporation date. The categories include AI-Focused, Tech Startup, Early Stage Startup (under 2 years), Emerging Technologies, Food & Drink, Medtech, Social / Sustainable, Product & Manufacturing, FinTech, eCommerce, plus The Pitch (live pitching competition). Winners can progress to the European Startup Awards.

https://startupawards.ie

EY Entrepreneur of the Year

• Organised by: EY
• Key dates: Nominations open in January and close in February. The ceremony is in November.

A global programme with significant prestige. The Irish programme has three categories: Emerging (businesses trading minimum two years, growing quickly), Established, and International, plus a Sustainability Award. The programme includes an international CEO retreat (Tokyo/Kyoto in 2025), executive education, and extensive networking. There is an alumni community, 75% of whom conduct business with each other. The overall winner represents Ireland at EY World Entrepreneur of the Year.

https://www.ey.com/en_ie/entrepreneur-of-the-year

Student Entrepreneur Awards

• Organised by: Enterprise Ireland with co-sponsors Cruickshank, Grant Thornton, and Local Enterprise Offices
• Key dates: Applications close in March. The awards ceremony in June.

For full-time registered third-level undergraduate and postgraduate students on the island of Ireland (individuals or teams). The top 50 entries shortlisted submit their business plans, then the ten finalists present to a panel. Winners receive a cash prize, support, advice and mentoring including intellectual property consultancy, business plan development, and LEO support.

https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/student-entrepreneur-awards

Ideate Ireland

• Organised by: A group of startup stakeholders, underwritten through philanthropic donations and corporate sponsorship
• Key dates: Applications close in March. Workshops start in April and there is a showcase in June.

An all-island competition for undergraduate, postgraduate or research students, or recent graduates (within two years) from any third-level academic institution or research centre on the island of Ireland. Teams must be pre-investment stage. The top ten submissions receive cash prizes and participate in a 10-week mentoring and support programme. Formerly called The Ireland Fund’s Business Plan Competition, it focuses on globally scalable ideas.

https://ideateireland.ie

Enterprise Ireland HPSU Founder of the Year Award

• Organised by: Enterprise Ireland in partnership with Select Strategies
• Key dates: Announced in October.

Specifically for High Potential Start-Ups backed by Enterprise Ireland, five finalists compete for the overall winner title.

https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/news/enterprise-ireland-launch-the-founder-of-the-year-award-2025

Specific sector- or vertical-related competitions

Innovation Awards

• Organised by: The Irish Times
• Key dates: Applications close in September. The ceremony is in November.

Open to all sectors from college spin-outs and startups through to major corporates, charities and sporting or cultural organisations. The five categories are IT & Fintech, Design & Manufacturing, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Sustainability, and New Frontiers (not related to our programme!). The innovation must have been introduced to market for the first time within a specified timeframe (typically two-year window). Shortlisted candidates present to the final judging panel and the overall winner receives a UCD Smurfit Executive Development scholarship.

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/innovation/innovation-awards

Innovation Arena Awards

• Organised by: Enterprise Ireland
• Key dates: Applications close early June. The Ploughing is in September

This agritech-focused competition at the National Ploughing Championships has three categories: Start-Up Innovator of the Year, Innovation Arena Champion, and Green Impact. Participants from the competition in recent years can apply for a spot in Enterprise Ireland’s highly popular hosted exhibition space at the event.

https://www.enterprise-ireland.com

Technology Ireland Industry Awards

• Organised by: Technology Ireland (IBEC)
• Key dates: Applications close in October. The ceremony is in November.

Open to both IBEC members and non-members, it is for companies that have achieved exceptional success, developed innovative technologies and partnerships, and won significant sales results over the past year. Categories include Digital Technology Company, Emerging Company, Outstanding Achievement in International Growth, Technology Innovation, Digital Technology Services Project, Tech 4 Good (various sub-categories), and Women in Tech Company Initiative. The awards recognise both indigenous and multinational technology companies.

https://www.ibec.ie/technologyireland/industry-awards

National Digital Awards

• Organised by: Digital Business Ireland
• Key dates: Entries open in September and close in November. The ceremony is in February.

Celebrates businesses, organisations, and people leading the way in digital innovation and e-commerce across Ireland. Accessibility is a key focus across all categories with extra points awarded to businesses excelling in inclusive digital practices. Grouped by Websites, People, and Innovation, categories include Small Business Website, Most Trusted Website, Women in Digital, Digital Changemaker, Digital Trailblazer, eCommerce Business, Digital Impact, and Best New Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) Project.

https://www.digitalbusinessireland.ie/awards

Tech Excellence Awards

• Organised by: TechCentral
• Key dates: The deadline for applications is in April. A black-tie gala is held in May.

Celebrating prestigious achievements across the technology sector, categories include Private Sector Project, SME Project, Start-Up, Digital Consultancy, IT Architect, Rising Star, Techies Go Green Sustainability, and Emerging Technologies. Winners will get pre and post event coverage in The Sunday Times.

https://techawards.techcentral.ie

Digital Transformation & AI Awards

• Organised by: BusinessRiver
• Key dates: Entries close in April. The awards are in June.

Celebrating organisations driving real change through technology – from agile startups to established firms – with categories including Digital Transformation & AI Leader, Best Customer Experience Impact, Best Operational Impact, Best Digital Transformation (various sectors), and Most Innovative Transformation.

https://dtawards.ie

Digital Media Awards

• Organised by: Ashville Media Group
• Key dates: The ceremony is in October.

Aimed at agencies as well as companies that handle their marketing and communications in-house, categories include Best Use of AI, Best Website, Best Use of SEO, Best Use of Social, Best Integrated Campaign, Best Tech & Innovation, and Best Brand. For a startup in a different sector, while it doesn’t reward you for your core work, it is a good way to get recognition for a standout marketing strategy.

https://digitalmedia.ie

All Ireland Marketing Awards (AIM)

• Organised by: The Marketing Institute of Ireland
• Key dates: Entries open in December. Finalists are announced in March. The gala dinner ceremony is in May.

One of the highest accolades a marketing professional can receive in Ireland, requiring proof of the relationship between solving business challenges through marketing investment and outstanding results for the business and its bottom line. Each finalist is invited to make a 20-minute presentation and participate in 10-minute Q&A session with the judges. Categories include Sustainability, CSR, Insights and Market Research, New Product, International Marketing, and B2B Marketing.

https://mii.ie/aim-awards/2026-entries

Effie Awards Ireland

• Organised by: The Institute Of Advertising Practitioners In Ireland (IAPI)
• Key dates: Entries close in June. The ceremony is in October.

Part of a global programme of awards, the focus is on marketing effectiveness with categories based on campaign objectives and impact that include industry-specific and objective-based categories. Finalists and winners receive Effie Index points contributing to Ireland’s position in the Global Effie Index, which ranks the world’s most effective marketers, brands, and agencies. Juries go through two rigorous rounds of judging. The programme includes a Future Effectiveness Jury providing learning opportunities for next-generation industry leaders.

https://www.effie.org/ireland

Media Awards

• Organised by: The Brainfood Store and Adworld Ventures
• Key dates: The closing date is in March. The ceremony is in May.

Celebrating the teams behind the ideas, strategic and creative thinking and implementation which generate impact and business, categories include Rising Star, Sales team, Best use of Data/Analytics, Best Research Initiative, and Best Use of Audio.

https://mediaawards.ie

Competitions can create a sense of shared experience and legitimacy within a business, giving small team a tangible morale boost and a moment to celebrate progress before the next big push. The real reward often isn’t just external recognition, but the internal sharpening of vision and momentum that comes from putting yourself in the spotlight and measuring yourself against others.