Enter the Micro Business Awards.

Reinvention with Attitude

The “Reinvention with Attitude” category celebrates micro businesses that have boldly transformed how they operate, serve, or present themselves. It recognises those who embraced change with confidence, creativity, and resilience—whether through a rebrand, pivot in services, or fresh business direction. Judges look for intentional shifts that delivered real impact, showing strength, adaptability, and a standout entrepreneurial spirit. This award honours reinvention done not just out of necessity, but with vision and attitude that inspires others in the micro business community.

Family Business

This category celebrates businesses where two or more family members are actively involved in the day-to-day running of the company. It highlights the teamwork, shared values, and dedication that come with building and sustaining a family-run business.

Creative Visionaries

Creative Visionaries are individuals who focus on original artistic expression, using their imagination to create works that communicate emotions, ideas, or stories. Their art is often conceptual and unique, spanning mediums like painting, sculpture, digital art, or performance, where innovation and personal voice take center stage.

Master Artisans

Skilled Craftspersons specialise in hands-on creation of functional or decorative items through traditional or contemporary techniques. Their expertise lies in craftsmanship and precision, producing tangible objects such as ceramics, millinery, textiles, jewellery, woodworking, and other handmade goods that blend form and function.

Food & Drink Heroes

As a nation, we love to talk about food — and now we want to recognise Ireland’s finest Micro Food and Drink Hero. This category is open to everyone from growers and producers to hamper makers and everything in between. Whether you create pasta, cupcakes, or craft drinks, this is the category that celebrates your contribution to Ireland’s vibrant food and drink culture.

Planet Champion/Green Champion

Does your business have a green initiative? Whether you’re reducing waste, using sustainable packaging, or offering eco-friendly products, we want to hear about it. This category celebrates businesses that are leading the way in sustainability, making a positive impact on the environment, and inspiring others to do the same. Share your story, and you could be named our next Green Champion.

Young Entrepreneur

This category recognises ambitious, innovative, and driven young business owners who are making their mark. Entrants must be under 35 on 1st January 2026. If you’ve launched a business, shown initiative, and demonstrated creativity and determination, this award is for you. It celebrates the next generation of leaders shaping Ireland’s micro-business landscape.

Event Planning & Coordination

This category celebrates businesses that specialize in organizing and managing events from start to finish. Whether you’re an event planner, coordinator, or manage logistics and scheduling, your expertise ensures every detail comes together flawlessly to create memorable occasions.

Event Services & Support

This category recognizes the many vital contributors who bring events to life beyond planning. From entertainment, hair and makeup, photography, videography, emceeing, venues, event wear, catering, to printing — if your business provides one of these essential services, this is your spotlight.

Start-Up Star

Starting a business is always a challenge. The Start-Up Star award recognises new ventures that have shown ambition, creativity, and determination. To qualify, your business must have commenced on or after 1st January 2025.

Making the community a better place

This category recognises businesses and groups that actively give back to their community. Eligible entrants include community-focused businesses, theatre groups, first responders, charities, and holistic therapy providers. Applicants should demonstrate how they support local wellbeing, provide essential services, or engage in community initiatives. Examples include volunteering, outreach programs, sustainable practices, or supporting vulnerable populations. Submissions must highlight clear, positive impacts or meaningful stories that show a genuine commitment to improving their community’s social, cultural, or health environment.

The Over 50s Club

They say life begins at 40, and experience at 50 — and this award celebrates the wisdom, knowledge, and achievements of our over-50s. No matter the type of business, if it’s a micro-business run by someone over 50, this is your space. Do you have a story to tell? We want to hear it.

Digital Storyteller

In today’s digital world, your online presence is everything. Whether through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, Facebook, or X, or through an outstanding online store, this category celebrates businesses that excel in the digital space. Are you a Digital Commerce Champion who tells a compelling brand story while driving impressive online sales? Whether you engage audiences creatively or shine as an e-commerce superstar, this is your moment to be recognized.

Construction Trailblazer

This category celebrates micro businesses making a big impact in the construction industry. Whether you specialize in building, renovations, landscaping, electrical, plumbing, or project management, your expertise and dedication set you apart. We’re looking for businesses that deliver quality craftsmanship, innovative solutions, and outstanding customer service, all while managing the challenges of a small operation. Show us how your business builds the future—one project at a time.

Trusted Micro Support Services

This category recognizes micro businesses delivering outstanding professional services across sectors such as legal, accounting, consulting, marketing, IT, financial planning, and more. Whether you provide expert advice, innovative solutions, or exceptional client support, your professionalism and dedication set you apart. Show how your micro business combines expertise, reliability, and personalised service to make a significant impact for your clients and community.

Sports Excellence

This category celebrates micro businesses making a powerful impact in the sports and fitness industry. Whether you provide coaching, equipment, sportswear, event organization, wellness services, or community sports programs, your passion and dedication drive success. We’re looking for businesses that inspire participation, promote healthy lifestyles, and contribute to the growth of sport at a local level. Show us how your business champions the spirit of sport and fitness in your community.

Pet Care Champions

This category celebrates micro businesses dedicated to the care and wellbeing of pets. Whether you’re a groomer, trainer, vet, dog walker, pet shop owner, or offer other pet-related services, your commitment to animals and their owners shines through. We’re looking for businesses that provide exceptional care, expert advice, and personalised service to improve the lives of pets and their families in the community.

People’s Choice

CONTENT COMING SOON

Closing Date for all category nominations (with the exception of People's Choice) is 30th January 2026.

Definition of a Micro Business - The definition of a micro-entity is a business that meets at least two of the following conditions:

Turnover must be not more than €700,000 The balance sheet total must be not more than €350,000
The average number of employees must be not more than 10

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE OPERATE ON AN HONOUR BASIS AND EXPECT ENTRANTS TO DO THE SAME. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER CATAGORIES THAT YOUR BUSINESS DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR.

What are the judges looking for?

• WEBSITE
• Visual Impact
• Ease of use
• VALUE OF CONTENT
• SOCIAL MEDIA
• Value of content
• CONSUMER
• Ease of access to product or service
• USP

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