Tipperary businesses feature strongly as SFA announces finalists

The finalists in the SFA National Small Business Awards 2022 have been officially announced, with 47 companies selected as finalists, from 12 different counties, across ten categories.

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 only Cork representative are Clover Hill Food Ingredients, Millstreet who are finalists in the Manufacturing category.

Companies from Tipperary feature strongly. These include Blanco Nino, Clonmel, Co Tipperary who are nominated in both the Manufacturing and Exporter of the Year categories.

While Campion Pumps, Thurles, Co Tipperary are also nominated under two categories - the Services category and Innovator of the Year category. Air Impact, from Thurles, are finalists in an new category for 2022, namely the Retail Finalists category.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP ALIVE & WELL

“The response to the awards programme serves as a reminder that Irish small companies are resilient, putting their best foot forward and seeking recognition for their efforts” commented Sue O’Neill, chair of the SFA Awards judging panel. “As well as our nine award categories, we also feature five of the best Emerging New Businesses (less than two years established) and, given the quality of the businesses represented this year, entrepreneurship is alive and well in Ireland”.

The awards prize package for all finalists includes participation in the SFA Business Connect event next March, a strategic management masterclass weekend during February, as well as broad-ranging national and local media coverage, all valued at €50,000. Category winners will be presented with a trophy and free membership of the Small Firms Association for one year. The overall winner will also receive a bursary of €5,000 to present to a charity of their choice (donated by the 2019 Overall Winner, Kore Insulation).