Local Enterprise Office Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is sponsoring the ‘Best Start-Up of the Year’ category at this year’s DLR County Chamber Business Awards

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Chamber 2026 Business Awards is an annual celebration of innovation, growth, leadership and community spirit across our business community.

Start-ups: this is your opportunity to showcase achievements, share your journey, and be acknowledged by your peers!

The closing date for entries across all categories is Friday, 11th September 2026 at 5pm and the Gala Awards night will be hosted in The Royal Marine Hotel on Thursday 12th November.

Best Start-Up of the Year Category

As the first-stop-shop for small businesses in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, LEO DLR is proud to sponsor this award category.

Award Description:

The Best Start-Up of the Year Award celebrates ambitious businesses that are turning innovative ideas into commercial success.

Whether you are introducing a pioneering product or service, expanding into new markets or experiencing significant business growth, this award recognises organisations demonstrating vision, resilience and the potential to become tomorrow’s business leaders.

The judges are looking for businesses that combine entrepreneurial ambition with strong commercial foundations, innovation and a clear strategy for sustainable growth.

Businesses from every sector are encouraged to enter.

Eligibility to enter:

To be eligible, a business must:

• Have a primary business location in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
• Be actively trading.
• Have commenced trading within the last five years.
• Demonstrate measurable commercial progress.
• Be able to provide evidence supporting the application.

Special Considerations

Businesses less than 12 months old that can demonstrate exceptional progress through customer acquisition, investment, product launches or significant commercial achievements may be considered at the discretion of the judging panel.

Businesses incorporated more than five years ago but only commencing commercial trading within the last five years may also be considered where appropriate.

To enter this category before the September 11th deadline, visit https://www.dlrchamber.ie/awards/start-up-scale-up-business-of-the-year/

Best of luck!