This award celebrates businesses driving sustainable transformation by adopting practices that reduce environmental impact, enhance resource efficiency, and promote ethical standards. It highlights companies contributing to Cork City’s sustainability goals, aligning with Ireland’s national and global climate initiatives. By recognising these role models, we inspire others to embrace impactful changes, reinforcing Cork’s leadership in climate action and environmental responsibility.
Cork has a diverse and thriving service sector that plays a vital role in supporting the local economy. This category recognises outstanding service-based businesses operating in Cork across a wide range of sectors, but excluding retail, hospitality and tourism. Eligible businesses may include (but are not limited to) professional services, business services, consultants, recruiters, real estate firms, digital and creative agencies, IT and technology services, financial services, HR, logistics and specialist service providers. Entrants must demonstrate what sets their business apart within their sector, including evidence of business performance, client impact, innovation and adaptability over the past 12 months, as well as clear plans for future growth and development.
This award honours Cork’s most outstanding festival or event, celebrating its creativity, organisation, and impact on the community, businesses, or visitors. Nominees must excel in planning, promotion, and execution, enhancing Cork’s cultural, social, or business vibrancy. Open to festivals, corporate, or community events, the winner will have delivered an engaging, accessible experience that fosters spirit and promotes Cork as a destination for unique, exciting events.
The VFI – Vintners’ Federation of Ireland – is a trade association that represents publicans in Cork, and are the Key Sponsor for this award category. This award honours Cork City VFI Members; licensed establishments that serve alcoholic beverages, and may also offer food, entertainment and events such as live music, quizzes or comedy.
This Award recognises ‘Hotels’ in the wider Cork City area. A hotel is defined as a commercial establishment that provides accommodation, dining, and additional services to guests. It offers a range of amenities, including private rooms or suites, housekeeping, and can offer facilities such as restaurants, bars, conference spaces, fitness centers, and recreational activities.
This award honours a business, organisation, or institution for outstanding contributions to Cork City’s tourism, culture or arts. Nominees should excel in promoting the city’s heritage, arts, or visitor engagement through innovative campaigns, unique experiences, or initiatives that attract tourists. The winner will have enhanced Cork’s reputation as a vibrant destination, benefiting the local community, boosting visitor numbers, or improving the overall experience for visitors.
This award is to highlight all Cafes in the greater Cork City area. A Cafe is defined as a casual dining place that serves light meals, snacks and beverages. Entrants need to explain their business and offering.
This award is to highlight all Retail Businesses in the greater Cork City area. Entrants need to explain their business and offering, ownerships, and any future business plans. Retail businesses must operate from a building / premise in the greater Cork City Area.
This award is to highlight all new businesses that have opened since 1 January 2022. Entrants need to explain their business and explain why they chose to set up in Cork, what risks were taken and how has business been since starting out.
This award is to highlight all Family owned and managed businesses in the greater Cork City area. Entrants need to explain their business and family managed structure.
This award is to highlight all Restaurants in the greater Cork City area. A Restaurant is defined as a formal dining place that serves full course meals. Entrants need to explain their business and offering.
This award recognises a standout Cork content creator, incluencer or website consistently producing high-quality, original, and engaging content across digital platforms to hero Cork and Cork business. The recipient demonstrates creativity, authenticity, and a strong connection with their audience while positively representing Cork’s culture, community, or lifestyle. Judges will consider impact, originality, audience engagement, consistency, and the creator/ team’s influence both locally and beyond.
Nominees must demonstrate how their work supports local businesses and strengthens Cork City’s commercial profile, along with their commitment to continuing this advocacy into the future.
