Building on the continued success of the previous twenty years plus of the National Enterprise Awards, the Local Enterprise Offices are now launching the 2026 National Enterprise Awards. The awards recognise and promote the success stories of small business owners from all over the country. In addition to enjoying extensive media coverage, National Finalists will compete for a prize fund of €80,000
The aim of the National Enterprise Awards is to spotlight, showcase, encourage and support a culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship in our communities in Ireland, to promote entrepreneurship and to showcase, encourage and to celebrate the achievement of clients of Local Enterprise Offices.
Local Enterprise Office Mayo is now seeking Expressions of Interest for this prestigious competition. Email info@leo.mayococo.ie to apply. Expressions of Interest must comprise of a current Business Plan, and up to date Financial Statements.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants:
the applicant:
- must be a CURRENT client of LEO Mayo or transferred to Enterprise Ireland since 31st December, 2024.
- must be involved in internationally traded services or manufacturing
- must have received Measure 1 Funding (i.e. a Feasibility Study, Priming grant and/or Expansion Grant) and
- must have qualified for one or more of the following:
- mentoring/training
- other Grant Supports
- completed a LEAN/Green/Digital For Business programme
- must employ ten or less employees, employed on a full-time equivalent basis as at 31/12/2024.
- previous finalists are eligible to enter.
Information on Competition Stages:
- Initial Expressions of Interest now open.
- Closing date for Expressions of Interest to LEO Mayo: 4pm, Friday March 5th, 2026 by email to info@leo.mayococo.ie or by post/hand delivered to the address below.
- Selection of Mayo entrant to go forward to the competition
- Adjudication for the Awards is expected to be scheduled on either the 13th or 14th May in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan. It will include a 5 minute pitch to a panel of judges followed by a short interview.
- The Mayo entrant will be invited to the National Enterprise Awards Final on the evening of Thurs June 18th, 2026 in the Mansion House, Dublin. The winners will be announced at that event.
Soft copies of Expressions of Interest comprising of a current business plan and up to date financial statements must be emailed to info@.leo.mayococo.ie by 4pm, Friday March 5th, 2026. Alternatively, post or hand deliver to:
National Enterprise Awards 2026
Local Enterprise Office Mayo
Mayo House
Moneen
Castlebar
County Mayo.
All fully completed EOIs received from eligible enterprises by 4pm, Friday March 5th, 2026 will be reviewed.
