Entries Open: Matt Cooper to Host Irish Family Business Awards 2026 at The Johnstown Estate!
The benchmark awards programme celebrating the dedication, innovation, and economic contribution of family-owned and operated enterprises across Ireland is officially back. We are thrilled to announce that public nominations are now open for the Irish Family Business Awards 2026!
This year, we are moving away from standard Dublin venues to return to the spectacular countryside setting of The Johnstown Estate in Enfield, Co. Meath. Mark your calendars for Thursday, 5th November 2026, for what promises to be an unforgettable gala ceremony.
We are also delighted to reveal that renowned journalist, broadcaster, and author Matt Cooper will host the evening, bringing high-profile energy and professional prestige to our landmark event.
Ready to submit? Entering the 2026 awards remains entirely free of charge. Click here to submit your entry now!
What’s New for 2026? Strategic Category Updates
To mirror the rapid modernisation, technological integration, and cultural shifts within Irish commerce, our 2026 awards framework introduces significant structural improvements. While the total number of categories remains highly competitive at 22, we have retired the legacy printing sector award and consolidated our healthcare streams into powerful, unified fields.
Here are the key new and enhanced categories you can enter this year:
- Digital Marketing & Client Communication Excellence: Celebrating forward-thinking family businesses that utilise advanced digital channels—including social media, video, user-friendly websites, and targeted newsletters—to scale brand equity and revenue while retaining their authentic, trust-driven family voice.
- Family Business Employer of the Year: Honouring enterprises that translate core family values into world-class workplaces, demonstrating excellence in health and wellbeing, ongoing professional development, high staff retention, and the seamless integration of non-family executives.
- Family Healthcare, Pharmacy, and Wellbeing Business of the Year: Formed via the consolidation of three historical sub-categories, this premier award acknowledges family firms across clinical care, nursing, homecare, dental, and community pharmacy that beautifully pair clinical excellence with compassionate, family-led care.
- Construction, Property & Trades Family Business of the Year: Extensively mapped this year to explicitly welcome entries from general contractors, specialised subcontractors (electrical, plumbing, roofing), civil engineering, groundworks, estate agencies, and premium home improvement firms.
Award Categories Available to Enter
With 22 distinct categories, the platform welcomes submissions from tiny local micro-firms up to multi-generational industrial companies. Our independent, merit-based judging panel assesses applications relative to the size and available resources of each business.
Click here for Categories Full Detail
Note: The Overall Family Business of the Year will be announced live on the night!
Key Dates & Submission Information
We urge all eligible businesses across Ireland to begin their application process early.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Hard Closing Date: Friday, August 28th, 2026
- Where to Enter: familybusinessawards.ie/categories/
Strict Deadline Policy: No late submissions can be accommodated once the system locks on August 28th. This ensures our independent panel has the time required to complete their exhaustive review ahead of the shortlist announcement.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify as a family business, the enterprise must be owned or run by two or more members of a single family. Businesses of all sizes are welcome to enter.
