Kilkenny Business Awards 2026
PHOTO Vicky Comerford
Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce launches the Kilkenny Business Awards 2026 introducing some new categories and retaining some of the more established categories.
Nominate a business you know, or nominate yourself! Click HERE to access the online nomination and application process.
Category Definitions KBA 2026 and Terms and Conditions 2026
Open to all businesses operating in Kilkenny City and County, the nomination process was officially announced by Therese Bourke, Head of Customer Services Vhi, at an event hosted by Kilkenny Chamber at Statham’s at the Pembroke Hotel.
Kilkenny Chamber is now calling upon individuals and enterprises across Kilkenny to nominate businesses for one of the prestigious awards.
President of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, Claire McInerney Brown said, “We are delighted to launch the Kilkenny Business Awards 2026, and we thank VHI for continuing its sponsorship for a third year. We are grateful for their support.
Nominations are now open! The awards process is free of charge and open to all Kilkenny based businesses. I would encourage any enterprise, big or small, across the county to put forward a nomination for themselves or another worthy company who deserves recognition for their business and accomplishments.”
The President also noted that, following a review process, new categories have been introduced this year to reflect the modern workplace and success of Kilkenny businesses, and these include areas such as the Communications & Marketing Excellence Award and the Workplace & People Culture Award.
Therese Bourke, Head of Customer Services at Vhi, said: “As one of Kilkenny’s largest employers we are proud to sponsor the awards for a third year. Supporting local businesses and the community is important to us at Vhi, and we are proud to acknowledge the great role that the Awards play in recognising the wonderful businesses that there are in Kilkenny. I would recommend that all businesses in Kilkenny consider participating this year, and I look forward to being part of the process”.
Businesses are encouraged to enter in up to three of the categories available ranging from ‘Age Friendly Business of the Year’ to ‘Family Business of the Year’ and ‘Retailer of the Year to ‘International Trade Award’. With 20 categories available, the Awards programme celebrates the breadth of commerce throughout County Kilkenny for more than two decades and provides a wonderful opportunity to platform business successes.
The awards are free to enter and open to both members and non-members of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce alike.
Online Application
Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce uses a simple on-line nomination and application form to process the anticipated large volumes of applicants for the popular awards scheme.
Nominations close on Friday 18th September. Thereafter candidates will be required to put forward a full application by Friday, 2nd October. A shortlist of finalists will be announced and go on to the interview round in October. The 20 category winners and the Overall Business of the Year, as well as the President’s Award and Lifetime Achievement award, will be announced on Saturday, 21st November at the Chamber’s annual black-tie banquet, the Kilkenny Business Awards’ ceremony in Lyrath Estate Hotel.
