Mayo business shortlisted for prestigious national award

A Mayo business has been shortlisted for a prestigious SFA National Small Business Award. An Even Better Place to Work, an online employee-engagement company based in Geesala, Erris, has been nominated in the Innovation category. The business is co-owned and operated by Orla Bakeberg and Brian Bakeberg.

This innovation category aims to award outstanding achievement and to recognise one or more individuals within a company who have demonstrated excellence and creativity in the design, development, and introduction of one or more technologically significant products over the past five years.

Sue O’Neill, Chair of the SFA Awards Judging Panel, who officially announced the finalists, says, 'the strong engagement with this year’s awards programme shows the continued resilience and determination of Ireland’s small businesses.'

“Alongside our nine award categories, we are also highlighting five exceptional Emerging New Businesses - each established within the last two years—and it’s clear that entrepreneurship continues to flourish across the country.

“The Small Firms Association remains dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of small business owners. With 273,000 small firms employing nearly half of Ireland’s private-sector workforce, these awards shine a light on excellence, innovation and success across all sectors and regions,” She added.

Speaking at the launch of the awards, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said,

 “Through the SFA National Small Business Awards, we honour their achievements and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“ With current uncertainty in the global economic environment, it is vital that our small businesses are strong, adaptable, and ready to meet any challenge. The Government will continue to work with them to grow our economy and ensure Ireland remains an attractive place to do business,” he added.