Nominate now for the Cavan Business & Tourism Awards ’25

The 12th annual Anglo-Celt Cavan Business & Tourism Awards were officially launched yesterday (Thursday), marking over a decade of recognising and celebrating the best of local enterprise across the county. Nominations are now open across eight categories.

Hosted by the Celt, in partnership with Cavan County Council, the awards continue to shine a light on the resilience, innovation, and ambition of small and medium businesses at the heart of the local economy.

Speaking at the launch event, the Celt's Managing Editor, Linda O’Reilly, reflected on the origins and enduring relevance of the awards.

“The fabric of our economy in Cavan is very much made up of small and medium sized enterprises with great entrepreneurial spirit.”

“We launched these awards in 2014 because we wanted to recognise businesses and entrepreneurs who contribute so much to our local economies and support so many jobs in our communities,” she said.

“We don’t have the big multinationals, but we have incredible local entrepreneurs who take risks, generate employment, and drive their business. These awards celebrate and recognise these efforts.”

Marking a full-circle moment that shows how the business community in Cavan supports one another, Ms O’Reilly thanked the sponsors: “It’s always great to see businesses who were once start-ups now stepping up as sponsors.”

Sponsors are integral to the success of the awards, and many have supported the initiative since its inception. This year’s sponsors include: the Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell, the Cavan Local Enterprise Office, Cavan Tourism, AIB Cavan, GMK Partners, Sheridan Insurances and Finnegan Funeral Directors.

Except for a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards have run each year, growing in scope and prestige. The gala dinner format - set to return again this year at the Slieve Russell Hotel on October 10 - has become a key fixture in the county’s business calendar.

This year’s awards include eight categories, many returning due to popular demand: Emerging New Business, Best Family Business, Best Innovation, Excellence in Customer Service, Tourism Business of the Year, Green Business of the Year, Best Fashion & Lifestyle Business, Not-for-Profit Award.

From the category winners, an overall Cavan Business or Businessperson of the Year will be selected. A Lifetime Achievement or Special Recognition Award will also be presented.

In addition to the gala event, businesses will participate in a Pitch Night at AIB Cavan on September 24, giving shortlisted entrants a two-minute platform to present their business to the judging panel.

“I personally love Pitch Night,” said Brendan Jennings, Director of Services at Cavan County Council, partners in the awards. “It’s often the first time a business owner stands up and tells their story. There’s real heart, and it’s exciting to hear, who is brave enough to take that next step and is taking their innovative idea further.”

He emphasised the council’s support for the awards and the local business community. “We’re proud to partner with The Anglo-Celt for these awards, which showcase the very best of enterprise and innovation in Cavan,” said Mr Jennings.

“Through the Local Enterprise Office, the tourism unit, and other departments, we work every day to support those businesses to grow.”

He also highlighted the relevance of the Green Business category, noting the growing importance of climate action and sustainability in enterprise.

“One of the most inspiring things we’re seeing is how businesses are adapting to the climate challenge, finding ways to operate more sustainably while also saving money.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Paul Feely, who formally launched the awards, praised both the award organisers and the entrepreneurs they honour. By fostering this award for the 12th year in a row, The Anglo-Celt was “creating an identity in our county and giving us the opportunity to recognise the businesses and their innovators in Cavan”.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Cavan. In an increasingly challenging international and national environment, we continue to rely on these enterprises for employment and community life,” said Cllr Feely. “I can say that all councillors are very conscious of the small businesses in our communities, and we are always anxious to put forward the case for helping them in whatever way we can.”

“It’s a joy to see a local café or hairdresser proudly display their award on the wall,” Ms O’Reilly concluded. “The award as a brand has continued to grow, and there's great recognition for it all over the county, for all of our nominees, for all of our sponsors.”

Each shortlisted business will be profiled in a special Celt supplement ahead of the awards night, with extensive post-event coverage and social media streaming also planned.

Entries for the 2025 awards are now open and will close on Friday, August 29.

Nominations from the public for businesses across all sectors are encouraged while businesses can also enter directly and share their success stories.

You can nominate here and it only takes a couple of minutes.