Fingal Enterprise Awards 2026: Finalists Announced

Five outstanding Fingal businesses have been announced as finalists for the 2026 Fingal Enterprise Awards. The annual competition, delivered by the Local Enterprise Office Fingal, celebrates the innovation, resilience and creativity of the county’s small business community. Each year, the Awards shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs driving employment, growth and positive change across the region.

The Fingal Enterprise Awards are part of a national programme involving all 31 Local Enterprise Offices, with each county selecting one overall winner to compete at the National Enterprise Awards in May. The competition is open to internationally trading or manufacturing businesses that have received qualifying grant support through LEO Fingal.

Speaking at the announcement of the finalists, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: “Small businesses are at the heart of our communities.  Entrepreneurs spot a challenge and turn problems into opportunities and start businesses addressing the needs of people.  It is inspiring to see such dedication and creativity from this year’s finalists. Starting and growing a business takes courage, determination, and persistence. The entrepreneurs we are recognising today continue to demonstrate the vision and determination that make Fingal such a strong place for enterprise. We are fortunate to have a Local Enterprise Office that provides a wide range of supports to help our local businesses develop skills, build networks and thrive. I want to commend each of the finalists for their achievements and wish them continued success throughout 2026 and beyond.”

Reflecting on the progress of Fingal’s enterprise community during the past year, Fingal County Council Chief Executive, AnnMarie Farrelly, added: “The Fingal Enterprise Awards are an important opportunity to highlight the talent, determination and innovative spirit within our business community. Supporting start‑ups and growing small businesses helps drive local employment and strengthens our economy. As a Local Authority, we are committed to ensuring Fingal remains a great place to live, work and do business, and empowering entrepreneurs is central to that goal. I want to congratulate each of the finalists on their achievements to date and wish them continued success as they progress through the competition.”

Highlighting the calibre of this year’s finalists, Oisín Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise at Fingal, concluded: “The strength and diversity of this year’s finalists truly reflect the exceptional entrepreneurial talent we have here in Fingal. These businesses demonstrate innovative thinking, sectoral leadership and a shared commitment to growth — qualities that are vital for a thriving local economy. The Fingal Enterprise Awards provide an important platform to showcase what small businesses can achieve when given the right supports, and we are proud to have played a part in their journey. I wish each of the finalists every success as they progress to the next stage of the competition.”

The finalists will now take part in a detailed assessment with an expert judging panel ahead of the Fingal Enterprise Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, which forms part of Local Enterprise Week.

The overall winner will receive the top prize of €5,000, while each of the other finalists will receive €1,000.

The overall Fingal winner will then represent the county at the National Enterprise Awards at the Mansion House, Dublin in June 2026.

The five 2026 finalists are:

Climate Matters – Presented by Dr Cera Slevin, Skerries
Climate Matters is a climate technology and sustainability consultancy supporting organisations to understand, manage, and reduce climate-related impacts and risks. Operating primarily within the infrastructure and built environment sectors, the company specialises in greenhouse gas inventory development, third-party verification, and climate risk assessment aligned with recognised international standards. Climate Matters works with public and private sector clients in Ireland and internationally, combining deep technical expertise with innovative, technology-enabled solutions. A key differentiator is its strong focus on automation, data quality, and credibility, enabling clients to navigate increasingly complex climate regulations with confidence. The company has experienced strong growth to date and plans to expand its service offering, technology capabilities, and international footprint over the coming years.

Donna Reilly People & Wellness – Presented by Donna Reilly, Balgriffin
Donna Reilly People & Wellness supports business owners and leaders to effectively manage and develop their people so they can focus on running and growing their businesses. The consultancy provides HR consultancy, leadership coaching and development, and wellbeing programmes across Ireland and beyond. For many SMEs, people are both their greatest strength and their biggest challenge. Donna Reilly People & Wellness helps organisations address everyday people issues, strengthen leadership capability, and build positive, high-performing workplace cultures. Its services support compliance, performance, and employee wellbeing, enabling teams to thrive. As the business grows, it is scaling its services through digital delivery, while maintaining a strong, human-centred approach. Donna Reilly People & Wellness is led by an award-winning core team of five and supported by a trusted network of over 20 associates, bringing energy, expertise, and care to help people thrive and businesses flourish.

Mantra Strategy – Presented by Lisa‑Nicole Dunne, Malahide
Mantra Strategy is Ireland’s impact creation consultancy, supporting organisations to create meaningful impact through people, purpose-led strategy and inclusion. Mantra Thrive is an innovative capacity-building and leadership support programme that blends human-centred experience with AI-driven insights from purpose-led, values-based organisations. It offers accessible consulting as a strategic sounding board, alongside community building and leadership development, helping leaders prevent burnout, make informed decisions and lead with confidence. Mantra’s mission is to create a better world through leaders, teams and organisations, from SMEs and micro businesses to charities and social enterprises. With experience across 200+ organisations, Mantra has developed practical frameworks that deliver benefits for both businesses and their communities.

Now Juice Limited t/a NowCoco – Presented by Caoimhe, Marketing Team, attending on behalf of founder Marti Nulty, Ballyboughal
NowCoco is an Irish beverage brand operating in the functional drinks sector, producing premium sparkling coconut water made with real coconut water, a splash of fruit juice and no added sugar. The brand was created to meet growing consumer demand for natural hydration and low-sugar alternatives to traditional soft drinks and energy drinks. NowCoco has secured nationwide listings across major Irish retailers and is positioned to appeal to wellness-focused and active consumers seeking clean, refreshing products. The business has experienced rapid growth to date and is focused on expanding distribution, increasing brand awareness and exploring export opportunities in key international markets.

Snugz Play Limited t/a Snugz – Presented by Fiona Synnott & Lisa Gilmartin, Malahide
Snugz is an Irish-designed children’s wellbeing brand operating within the early childhood, education, and gifting sectors. The business creates emotionally supportive products that help children understand and manage their feelings through storytelling, play, and comforting routines. Its range includes illustrated storybooks with guided questions, plush companions, and thoughtfully designed gift and combo sets. Snugz serves families, educators, and gift buyers across Ireland through national retailers, independent stockists, and direct-to-consumer online sales. The brand is distinctive for its play-based, emotionally informed approach and retail-ready design. Since its launch, Snugz has achieved national retail traction and is focused on expanding its product range, strengthening digital capability, and progressing export opportunities.