LEO-supported businesses recognised at National Enterprise Awards
The 2026 National Enterprise Awards, which celebrate the achievements of small businesses and entrepreneurs, were presented on 18 June at the Round Room in Dublin's Mansion House by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke.
The National Enterprise Awards, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, recognise businesses making an impact in areas such as innovation, sustainability, exporting and digital services.
This year's overall winner was Sugar Plum Sweetery, a business supported by the Local Enterprise Office in Westmeath.
Established in Mullingar in 2022 by Denise Buckley and David Quirke, the company combines retail stores with an online business selling sweets and chocolate products. The business has experienced rapid growth in recent years, increasing its revenue from €480,000 in 2024 to €4.3 million in 2025 and expanding its workforce from 10 to 40 employees.
Businesses recognised for their success
The awards honoured many other small business for their achievements.
The Best Export Business Award went to the Smooth Company. Supported by Local Enterprise Office South Dublin, the company is now exporting their range of hair products to over 90 countries.
The winner of the Innovation Award was I/O Agri, supported by Local Enterprise Office Cavan. The company created a system that traps livestock emissions and converts them into valuable by-products.
The winner of the Best Start-Up Award was RYSE Chocolate supported by Local Enterprise Office Meath. The company has created Europe’s first caffeinated chocolate bar and will soon be launching into the UK and US.
The winner of the Green Award was Accelerating Change Together (ACT) supported by Local Enterprise Office Mayo. ACT brings together architects, urban designers and policy specialists to help reimagine how Ireland designs its towns, buildings and communities for a more sustainable future.
The winner of the Digital Award was Photo Experience supported by Local Enterprise Office Offaly. The company works with theme parks and visitor attractions to capture guest experiences and deliver photos to their phones.
The winner of the Female Entrepreneur Award was Therese Murphy from Equi-Ed supported by Local Enterprise Office Kildare. Based at the National Equine Innovation Centre at the National Stud, Equi-Ed provides professional equine therapy training, certifications and specialist courses for horse owners and equine professionals.
Showcasing quality and diversity in business
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister Peter Burke praised the quality and diversity of businesses represented among the finalists.
"The National Enterprise Awards are the highlight of the small business and enterprise calendar, with a growing diversity of businesses and an increasingly high standard among the companies progressing through the process year on year," he said.
How your Local Enterprise Office can support your business
Local Enterprise Offices provide mentoring, training, advice and financial supports to people starting or growing a business. They work with thousands of businesses across Ireland each year and help entrepreneurs develop new ideas, expand their operations and create jobs in their local communities.
For many businesses, Local Enterprise Offices provide support at different stages of their development, from the early planning stages through to expansion into new markets.
You can learn more about Local Enterprise Offices and other business supports available on LocalGov.ie.