Donegal Enterprise Awards to celebrate local businesses at awards night

The Donegal Enterprise Awards return this year to recognise the innovation and achievements of the county’s small business community across a wide range of sectors. 

Organised by Local Enterprise Office Donegal, the awards highlight the resilience and success of local businesses as they navigated a year of challenges. The ceremony takes place on Friday, December, at Rockhill House, Letterkenny.

This year’s Donegal Enterprise Awards finalists represent a dynamic mix of established enterprises and exciting new ventures shaping the future of business in the county.

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Among the 10 finalists is Ireland’s only HDPE workboat manufacturer, Kenbro Boats Ltd., which designs and produces vessels built to withstand the toughest marine conditions. Donegal Sea Salt is redefining sustainable salt production on the shores of Mulroy Bay, hand-harvesting its pure Atlantic salt through natural evaporation. 

Based in Convoy, Ulster Mead Co. crafts small-batch mead and herbal wines, combining traditional fermentation methods with modern flavours, while Fudge & Gandol brings storytelling to life with products that spark imagination and creativity in children. 

Technology-driven inCharge Ltd. is transforming how families manage care with secure, intuitive solutions, while innovative delivery platform Hitch is helping reduce empty mileage by connecting items that need transporting with drivers already on the road. Sustainability remains central for The Loofah Bar, founded by Isobel Sangha, whose eco-conscious skincare combines natural soap with a compostable loofah to champion gentle, responsible care.

Global ambition also features strongly, with Niche Specialist Staffing Partners Ltd specialising in preconstruction and estimating recruitment for the U.S. construction sector, exemplifying how local expertise can thrive on an international stage. Donegal heritage is celebrated with McDaid’s Football Special, a soft drinks and ice cream brand that has blended nostalgia, flavour, and local pride since the 1940s, while family-run Atlantic Marine Supplies has for over 40 years led Ireland in marine lifesaving and safety solutions, manufacturing, servicing, and supplying equipment worldwide.

Speaking ahead of this year’s event, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise Donegal, said:

“Each year, the Donegal Enterprise Awards showcase the creativity and determination of our entrepreneurs, who continue to put Donegal on the map both at home and abroad. Our ten finalists this year exemplify the innovation, resilience, and ambition of the county’s small business community, highlighting Donegal as a thriving hub for enterprise. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at what promises to be another inspiring awards ceremony on 5th December.”

At this year’s awards, Malachi Eastwood will be honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award for leading Gartan Technologies in pioneering workforce management solutions trusted by over 50 emergency service organisations worldwide. His innovative work, now strengthened by Gartan’s recent acquisition by Totalmobile, continues to enhance operational efficiency, support first responders, and save lives.

Last year, Donegal boatbuilders Seabound were named Donegal Enterprise of the Year and went on to represent the county at the National Enterprise Awards, taking home the Best Export Award. This marked the third year in a row that a Donegal business had been recognised at the national finals, following wins by Living Green in 2024 and Silver Strand Rope Works in 2023 – each proudly representing Inishowen.

MC and host for the evening, Ciara Doherty, said: “I’m delighted to be back in Donegal for another Enterprise Awards. The standard of nominees this year has been exceptional, and I’m looking forward to seeing the achievements of these local businesses celebrated on the night.”