Application Deadline: Friday, 12th September at 5:00 P.M.
Award Summary: Recognises an ambitious company in its first five years showing clear potential.
Judges assess: Commercial traction, revenue, vision, capacity to grow, innovation.
Award Description:
This award is designed to spotlight new and fast-rising businesses located in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown that have launched within the past five years. It recognises early-stage ventures that are building clear momentum, standing out through innovation, and showing strong signs of future growth and impact. Whether you’ve just entered the market as a research-driven venture preparing to launch or are already scaling up, growing and innovating, this is your opportunity to gain recognition as one of the region’s most exciting new companies.
Why Enter?
Being shortlisted or winning this award offers a valuable platform to showcase your ambition, build your reputation, and celebrate your entrepreneurial progress. It’s aimed at showcasing businesses that are breaking new ground, solving real problems, and building long-term success.
What the Judges Will Look For
Judges will assess applicants based on:
- Evidence of market demand and business activity (e.g. early revenues, customer interest, pilot programmes, investment, or partnerships)
- Originality or uniqueness in offering or approach
- A clearly defined business plan or growth strategy
- Potential to expand or scale responsibly
- Strong leadership and operational capability (team experience, decision-making, delivery ability)
Eligibility to enter:
To be eligible, a business must:
- Have a primary business location in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
- Be actively trading for at least 12 months
- Have commenced trading within the last 5 years
Special Considerations
If your business is under 12 months old but has achieved significant progress (such as gaining customers, securing funding, or rolling out a product), you may still be eligible — strong supporting evidence will be required.
Similarly, businesses that were legally formed more than five years ago but only began commercial operations in the last five years may qualify if they are still in the early stages of development or scaling. These exceptions will be reviewed at the discretion of the judging panel.
Best / Innovative Business Start-up (Under 5 Years)
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Dún Laoghaire Chamber Business Awards
Wednesday 22nd October 2025 | Royal Marine Hotel
Dress: Black Tie
Application Deadline: Friday, 12th September at 5:00 P.M.