The ninth SFA National Small Business Awards was officially launched on 6th September, by Awards Patron An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, 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 Irish industry.  The Awards gives companies serious about progressing their business the opportunity to think strategically about their business, have their business-plan reviewed by independent experts, market their business through widespread media coverage and recognise the achievements of their team to date. 

36 Awards finalists in six categories will be announced in early December, along with 5 emerging new businesses who are established for less than 2 years.  The presentation to the Award Winners will take place at an Awards Ceremony in March 2013. 

Applications are now being accepted until 5.30pm on Friday, 26^th October and full details and application forms are available at www.sfa.ie/awards. 

For further information on the awards please contact Alan Sherlock on Tel: 01-6051664 or e-mail: alan.sherlock@sfa.ie