LEO-supported businesses recognised at National Enterprise Awards
Businesses supported by Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland have been recognised at the 2026 National Enterprise Awards, with companies from sectors including food production, technology, sustainability and manufacturing receiving national honours.
The 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 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 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.
What support does a Local Enterprise Office provide?
The National Enterprise Awards are one of several initiatives delivered through the Local Enterprise Office network, which operates through Ireland's local authorities.
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.
National awards recognise small business success
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister 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.
Businesses recognised for innovation and growth
The awards also recognised businesses making an impact in areas such as innovation, sustainability, exporting and digital services.
Among the category winners was I/O Agri, supported by the Local Enterprise Office in Cavan. The company has developed technology that helps farmers capture emissions and convert them into by-products that can be used in renewable energy production.
The Best Export Award went to The Smooth Company, supported by the Local Enterprise Office in South Dublin. The business exports its hair care products to more than 90 countries.
The Green Award was presented to Accelerating Change Together (ACT), supported by the Local Enterprise Office in Mayo. The company works with architects, urban designers and policy specialists to help create more sustainable towns, buildings and communities.
Meanwhile, the Digital Award went to Photo Experience, supported by the Local Enterprise Office in Offaly. The company provides technology that allows visitors to attractions such as zoos, museums and theme parks to receive photographs directly on their phones.
How to access business supports in your area
The awards also highlighted the long-term role Local Enterprise Offices can play in helping businesses grow. Outstanding Achievement Award winner EngDoc began its journey with Local Enterprise Office support before later working with Enterprise Ireland as it expanded internationally. Today, the company employs 35 people in Sligo and works on major construction projects around the world.
Whether you are considering starting a business or looking to grow an existing company, your Local Enterprise Office can provide guidance and support through mentoring, training programmes, networking opportunities and information on available funding and supports.
You can learn more about Local Enterprise Offices and other business supports available on LocalGov.ie.