Introduction
Award Description:
This award recognises established SMEs delivering strong business performance, operational excellence, and a clear contribution to the Mid-West’s economy and communities.
Why Enter:
Whether you’re building markets, creating quality jobs, or investing in your region, this award validates your strategy, leadership, and commitment to long-term success. It celebrates the work of high-performing SMEs that power Ireland’s enterprise base.
Note:
Businesses trading for less than 3 years may be considered if they can demonstrate substantial performance and operational maturity. Final eligibility is at the judges’ discretion.
What the Judges Will Look For
Judges will look for evidence of:
· Sustained growth or resilience over time
· Sectoral leadership or innovation
· Local economic contribution (jobs, skills, exports, supply chain)
· Strong business fundamentals and forward strategy
Eligibility:
To be eligible, applicants must:
· Be based in the Mid-West Region (with at least 12 months of trading in the region)
· Have been trading for at least 3 years
· Meet the EU definition of an SME:
· Fewer than 250 employees
· Annual turnover ≤ €50 million or balance sheet total ≤ €43 million