From cookies to campervans, jams to jellies, software to fire doors, and fashion to manufacturing, the 2025 National Enterprise Awards finalists prove that big things can start small.
These 31 Irish businesses are the pride of their counties, and now they’re taking centre stage nationally, thanks to the support of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).
Each year, the National Enterprise Awards celebrate the best of Irish entrepreneurship. The Awards have been running for over 20 years, celebrating Ireland’s best and brightest small businesses.
Organised by the Local Enterprise Offices, these awards help promote success stories and encourage even more people to follow their business dreams. Finalists get media coverage, expert support, and a shot at winning part of a €50,000 prize fund.
Kieran Comerford, Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices, says:
“This is the 25th year of the National Enterprise Awards and one thing we see year on year is amazing diversity of businesses from across the country, all excelling in their sectors.”
This year’s finalists will head to the final on 22nd May at the Mansion House in Dublin, where the top honours will be handed out to some of Ireland’s most exciting entrepreneurs.
Source: Local Enterprise Office
Source: Local Enterprise Office
Meet the Finalists
“The 31 finalists have made it to this point, and that in itself is validation that these companies are primed for growth,” says Kieran.
“We are excited to see who takes home the prizes in the final, but we’re also excited to see the next steps that these companies make in their areas, as they all have the potential to become significant Irish businesses both here and internationally over the coming years.”
In Dublin, creativity and innovation are really taking off:
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JANDO (Dublin City) is a Dublin-based printmaking studio creating bold, contemporary prints inspired by Irish landmarks and architecture. Founded by Julie and Owen McLoughlin in 2015, JANDO is Ireland's first B Corp-certified printmaker.
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Emporium (Dún Laoghaire Rathdown) has made Dublin streetwear world-famous, producing seasonal collections that have gained a cult following as far away as Japan.
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Cozmotec (Fingal) helps companies automate their work using artificial intelligence (AI), making businesses faster and smarter.
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Naked Bakes (South Dublin) fills a huge gap for vegan sweet lovers, supplying coffee shops, major retailers, and online customers nationwide with plant-based baked goods.
The Midlands are bursting with talent too:
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Make & Share Ltd (Laois) designs unforgettable live events, creating everything from full exhibitions to creative brand activations.
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Willie Monaghan & Sons (Longford) are truck body builders with a national reputation for quality craftsmanship, even custom-fitting bread trucks.
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dts Decontamination Technical Services (Offaly) sets global standards in sterilisation and infection control, protecting thousands of lives around the world.
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TAPiTAG (Westmeath) makes digital business cards and marketing tools used by 45,000 users in 75 countries.
In the Mid-East, food, energy and tech are front and centre:
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Fused (Kildare), founded by Fiona Uyema, brings authentic Asian sauces to Irish kitchens and supermarkets.
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Premier Energy Storage (Meath) designs smart, sustainable systems that help companies transition to greener fuels.
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JTM Energy (Wicklow) builds energy storage systems to save customers money and protect the environment.
The Mid-West has lots of success stories:
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Indigo (Clare) creates custom branding and signage for businesses around the world.
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SOS Cookies (Limerick) started in 2020 and already has four retail stores and 40 cafe supply contracts.
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Spellings for Me (Tipperary) offers an AI-powered spelling platform that helps over 81,000 students learn at their own pace.
Source: Local Enterprise Office
Source: Local Enterprise Office
In the North-East, businesses are focused on safety, communication and making home-buying simple:
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Fire Doors Ireland (Cavan) manufactures and installs certified fire-rated doors, helping protect lives and property.
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SPRYT (Monaghan) uses WhatsApp and SMS to create a “virtual receptionist” for doctors and healthcare providers.
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moneysherpa (Louth) makes buying a home easier by combining mortgages, surveys, and conveyancing services in one smart platform.
Heading North-West, there’s plenty of innovation:
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Seabound Engineering (Donegal) builds aluminium boats for the fishing and marine industries, including Ireland’s largest catamaran.
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Pathfinders Custom Conversions (Leitrim) transforms ordinary vans into dream campervans and mobile workspaces.
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Slick+ (Sligo) creates smart tools that help remote teams stay connected and share knowledge easily.
In the South-East, sustainability and invention are being recognised:
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VisionGreen (Carlow) helps businesses put sustainability at the centre of what they do. They create custom solutions that cut carbon emissions, improve performance, and make a positive impact.
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Hi Tec Medicare (Kilkenny) produces world-class orthopaedic chairs with infection control innovations.
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Deep Digital Solutions Group (Waterford) turns complex data into streamlined solutions for the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries.
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Mór Taste (Wexford) produces award-winning, low-sugar, fruity jams that are now stocked nationwide.
In the South-West, tradition and technology come together:
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rConfig (Cork City) helps global companies manage their network configurations in a secure and efficient way.
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HappyPath Labs Ltd (Cork North and West) delivers AI-driven analytics to improve customer experience in contact centres.
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Breakthrough Maths (Cork South) has helped thousands of students love learning maths through their online tutoring platform.
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Kerry Woollen Mills (Kerry) keeps traditional Irish textile-making alive with beautiful, handcrafted wool products.
And in the West, new ideas are going global:
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MartEye (Galway) brings cattle marts and auctions online, connecting farmers through live streaming and apps.
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WONDR Jellies (Mayo) are the world’s first high-protein, low-sugar jellies, a healthier way to treat yourself.
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Euro Accessories (Roscommon) supplies top-quality construction products and is leading innovation in precast concrete accessories.
Source: Local Enterprise Office
Source: Local Enterprise Office
With Help From the Local Enterprise Offices
None of these businesses would be where they are today without support from their Local Enterprise Office.
LEOs, based in every local authority area and supported by Enterprise Ireland, offer funding, mentoring, training and practical advice. Whether someone’s just starting out or ready to scale up, their Local Enterprise Office can provide the boost they need to grow.
Kieran adds:
“Even looking at previous winners, we’ve had the likes of Bevcraft, who have revolutionised mobile canning services, Advanced Cosmetics who have created Europe’s first full ‘idea to shelf’ production service for the cosmetics industry out of Ballina, and Pestle & DreamDev Technologies last year who harnessed the power of AI to help software companies get their products quicker to market.We are seeing the best of the best of what Irish entrepreneurship has to offer, and this year is no different.”
Could You Be Next?
If you’re an entrepreneur or running a growing small business, the National Enterprise Awards could be your next big opportunity.
Not only do the awards celebrate excellence, but they also provide national exposure, peer networking, and access to even more support from your Local Enterprise Office.
Whether it’s a tech breakthrough in Galway or delicious bakes in Limerick, these businesses all show that when local dreams are supported, national success can follow.
👉 For more information, visit LocalEnterprise.ie/awards
From local roots to national recognition | Irish Independent
