Local Enterprise Office Donegal is now accepting entries for the Donegal Enterprise Awards, which take place on Friday December 1^st 2023. The awards celebrate and honour the outstanding achievements of local businesses across the county. Business owners are invited to submit their applications before the deadline of Monday, October 23rd, 2023, at 12:00pm.

Patrick McLaughlin of Silver Strand Rope Works which was named Best Established Business and the overall winner at the 2022 Donegal Enterprise Awards.

The Donegal Enterprise Awards feature a variety of categories, with an overall prize fund of €14,000, designed to recognise excellence in different facets of business from Best Established Business to Best Start Up Award. Other categories include Donegal Enterprise Innovation Award, Best Donegal Enterprise Green Award, Best Donegal Enterprise Digital Award, and enterprise awards for The Food Coast, The Creative Coast, and The Donegal Engineering Network.

Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise Donegal said: “The Enterprise Awards have been running for over 20 years in Donegal, showcasing the innovation, creativity, and development potential across the micro and small business sectors in the county. The awards celebrate the strength, resilience, and innovation of the small business community in Donegal and the role they play in our local economy. Last year’s winner, Patrick McLaughlin of Silver Strand Rope Works, went on to win the regional award at the national final, which was a great achievement for the business, but also for the county. I would encourage small business owners to get their applications in, so we can celebrate their achievements and showcase the strength of our entrepreneurial community."

Pictured at the National Enterprise Awards last year are (l-r): Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Liam Blaney, Grace Korbel, Assistant Head of Enterprise, Marina and Patrick McLaughlin, Silver Strand Rope Works, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Donegal, and Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin. 

In response to their win at both the local and national Enterprise Awards last year, Patrick McLaughlin, the founder of Silver Strand Rope Works, said “entering the Donegal Enterprise Awards was excellent for our business. On top of winning the local awards, we were crowned regional winners at the National Enterprise Awards, which was extra special. These awards not only provide recognition for your business, but also offer valuable networking opportunities and increased visibility in the local and national media and business community.”

Kieran Molloy of Molloy and Sons Weaving Ltd was awarded The Creative Coast Donegal Enterprise Award in 2022.

Eligibility for participation in the awards requires that businesses have fewer than 50 employees and have received direct support from Local Enterprise Office Donegal. To find out more about the eligibility criteria, and to enter, click here:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Donegal/Enterprise-Development/Donegal-Enterprise-Awards/