Before You Begin

Start Early

Don’t underestimate how long it takes to complete your application as the process may be more time-consuming than anticipated.  Give yourself plenty of time to gather information and avoid leaving it to the last minute.  Remember DEADLINE DAY is FRIDAY 25th JULY at 5.00PM.  Ensure to complete and submit your application prior to this date.

Read the Category Descriptions

Take time to carefully read each category description and fully understand the criteria. Select the categories that best align with your organisation’s strengths. Confirm your eligibility for each category before commencing your application.

Read again then choose the right Category

Double-check that the category is a good fit for your business and that you clearly understand the criteria.  Applicants may submit entries for up to four categories; remember that each category will have its own unique set of questions. Tailor your responses to each one, as the judges can only assess what you submit.

Answer the questions clearly

Answer what is asked. Provide direct and relevant answers without going off-topic using the hints provided as guidance to strengthen your responses.  Ensure your answers stay within the character limit and focus on presenting the most relevant and impactful information.

Support your entry with evidence

Strengthen your application by including relevant evidence or results that demonstrate your companies’ achievements. Demonstrating tangible results could strengthen your application and assist judges in assessing the significance and impact of your application.

Utilise the Hints Provided

Each question includes helpful hints to guide your response. Make use of these to ensure your answers align with the judging criteria and effectively showcase your achievements. The hints can help you structure your responses, highlight key points, and maximise the impact of your application

Make your entry memorable

Help your application stand out by showcasing the passion, creativity, innovation and unique qualities that define your organisation.  Craft a compelling application that enables the judges to clearly envision your business, and its accomplishments.   Remember the judges can only base their decision on the content you provide.

Watch your spelling and grammar

Check your spelling and grammar carefully. Proofread your entry before submitting.  Remember the character count.  Avoid the use of jargon, acronyms, and unnecessary wording.  The use of clear and concise language is key to a successful entry.

  1. Application forms should be completed and submitted online. Official Application Forms are available at dundalk.ie/awards/
  2. Entries are restricted to 4 categories per business. There is a separate application form for each category giving an overview to assess if your company is eligible. The relevant form must be completed for each entry.
  3. All required sections of the awards application form must be completed, the organisers have the right to exclude any applications that are incomplete and where criteria, eligibility, instructions and due date are not met.
  4. Once Completed the application form is deemed to be final and cannot be edited. Applicants can submit a new application for that category up until the deadline date but must inform organisers to delete the previous application.
  5. Application Forms must be submitted online by 5pm Friday the 25th July 2025. Late applications cannot be accepted
  6. An independent judging panel will review all applications received. Shortlisted applicants will be announced on Monday the 1st September 2025.
  7. Applicants must NOT have been a winner of that exact Category in 2024, they may enter a different category if they fit the criteria of that category (e.g. Best-Established Small Business to Outstanding Medium Business)
  8. Sponsors cannot enter their sponsored category but may enter any other category
  9. All shortlisted applicants in the Mystery Shop Categories MUST BE AVAILABLE from Monday the 15th September 2025 to Friday the 26th September 2025. There are no alternative dates.
  10. All shortlisted applicants in the Interview Categories MUST BE AVAILABLE for judging interviews on Thursday the 9th October 2025. There are no alternative dates for interviews and telephone interviews are not an option
  11. Finalists agree to have a company representative attend the Louth Business Awards Gala on Saturday the 18th October 2025 in the Carrickdale Hotel.
  12. The judges’ decision is final, and binding and no correspondence will be entered into.
  13. Canvassing of Independent Judging Panel or Awards Organisers will lead to automatic disqualification
  14. By submitting an application, businesses are agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions of the awards.

  1. Entry to the awards is FREE of charge and open to Members and Non-Members operating in County Louth
  2. All information on the application document will be treated as confidential and will only be seen by the independent judging panel.
  3. Application forms should be completed and submitted online. Official Application Forms are available at dundalk.ie/awards/
  4. Once Completed the application form is deemed to be final and cannot be edited. Applicants can submit a new application for that category up until the deadline date but must inform organisers by email (events@dundalk.ie) to delete the previous application.
  5. Application Forms must be submitted online by 5pm Friday the 25th July 2025. Late applications cannot be accepted
  6. An independent judging panel will review all applications received. Shortlisted applicants will be announced on Monday the 1st September 2025.
  7. If in the opinion of the awards Independent Judging Panel, nominations and applications received for a particular category do not meet the laid down criteria or reach an appropriate standard of application and are thereby deemed not to meet standards required for short listing for that category award, it may be the case that no such award will be made.
  8. The awards Independent Judging Panel, on review of applications received, also reserve the right to advise applicants that they are being considered for alternative or additional award categories short listing than those originally entered.
  9. Shortlisted finalists will be contacted and advised of Mystery Shop Dates or of interview times depending on category in writing followed by a call from a member of the Chamber team..
  10. All shortlisted applicants in the Mystery Shop Categories MUST BE AVAILABLE from Monday the 15th September 2025 to Friday the 26th September 2025. There are no alternative dates.
  11. All shortlisted applicants in the Interview Categories MUST BE AVAILABLE for judging interviews on Thursday the 9th October 2025. There are no alternative dates for interviews and telephone interviews are not an option
  12. Winners for each award category will be announced at the Louth Business Awards Gala on Saturday the 18th October 2025 in the Carrickdale Hotel. Finalist must make a company representative available for the Awards Gala.
  13. The judges’ decision is final, and binding and no correspondence will be entered into.
  14. By submitting an application, businesses are agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions of the awards.
  15. Please be advised that photographs and video footage may be taken during the event (Louth Business Awards Gala). By accepting the terms and conditions you agree that the use of these images by the organisers for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, press releases, and marketing materials.

Award Category

Sponsored By

Dundalk Chamber

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Awards - Master Form

Template for DCOC Awards

Business Details

Information About Your Company/Organisation or Group
Name of Company/ Organisation/ Community Group:
Address
Contact Name(Required)
This person will remain the contact person for the remainder of the Awards process.
Please enter a number from 1 to 100.
Please enter a number from 1 to 1000.

Business Questions

Category Specific Questions
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HINT: FOCUS ON PROVIDING CLEAR AND CONCISE BACKGROUND INFORMATION. MENTION KEY MILESTONES SUCH AS WHEN THE BUSINESS WAS FOUNDED, HOW IT HAS GROWN AND ANY STANDOUT ACHIEVEMENTS.
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HINT: FOCUS ON ANY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS, OR HOW YOUR BUSINESS HAS POSITIVELY IMPACTED LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OR BUSINESS PRACTICES.
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Competition Terms and Conditions(Required)
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