Galway Chamber has officially launched the Galway Chamber Business Awards 2026, proudly supported once again by main sponsor The Shannon Airport Group for the thirteenth consecutive year. The Awards celebrate the very best of Galway business, recognising innovation, ambition, sustainability, creativity and community impact across the city and county.
This year’s theme, “Future-Proofing Galway: Building Tomorrow, Together - Gaillimh a Chosaint don Tochaí: Ag Tógáil an Amárach le Chéile”, reflects new President Gemma Costello’s vision for the year ahead and the Chamber’s commitment to ensuring Galway has the resilience, infrastructure and ambition to support its future growth.
Commenting on the Awards, Ray O’Driscoll, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, said they are very proud to continue their partnership with Galway Chamber for a thirteenth consecutive year.
“Galway is a region defined by ambition, innovation and an outward-looking business community, and ensuring that businesses across the West have the connectivity and conditions they need to compete and grow is central to our own ambitions at The Shannon Airport Group.
This year’s theme, ‘Future-Proofing Galway: Building Tomorrow, Together’, is particularly relevant. Strong regions are built by businesses and communities prepared to invest, innovate and think for the long term. These Awards recognise the people and organisations doing exactly that, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements in November.”
Speaking at the launch, Gemma Costello, President of Galway Chamber, said the Galway Chamber Business Awards are one of the highlights of our business calendar.
“These Awards are about more than recognition -- they are about telling the story of Galway’s business community, celebrating the ambition and innovation that exist right across our city and county, and inspiring others to reach for the same standard.
“I would encourage every business, large or small, member or non-member, to consider entering. Galway has extraordinary talent and enterprise, and these Awards are the place to showcase it.”
The 2026 Awards will take place on Friday November 20 at The Galmont Hotel and Spa, Galway.
Award Categories 2026
All categories are open to both Galway Chamber members and non-members.
The Shannon Airport Group -- Overall Business of the Year and Sustainability Initiative Award
PwC -- Excellence in Innovation Award
Galway City Council -- Culture and Creativity Award
AIB -- Best Small to Medium Enterprise Award
Údarás na Gaeltachta -- Marketing Excellence Award
Galway City Council -- Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion Award
Bank of Ireland -- Community and Social Impact Award
Galway County Council -- Tourism and Hospitality Excellence Award
Local Enterprise Office -- Digital Transformation and Technology Award
Platform 94 and WestBic -- Scale-Up/Growing Business Award
Atlantic Technological University -- President’s Award
Best Customer Service Award
President Costello also highlighted the President’s Award, sponsored by Atlantic Technological University, which recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Galway’s business life and to the wider community.
“This award holds a special place in the Galway Chamber Awards because it celebrates the people behind the businesses -- the leaders who invest not just in their own organisations but in the communities around them. I look forward to hearing the stories of this year’s nominees.”
Applications are now open, and businesses across all sectors are invited to submit their entries before Wednesday 21st October 2026.
The Galway Chamber Business Awards 2026 are proudly supported by our Media Sponsors, Galway Advertiser and Sound to Light, and our Reception Sponsor, Micil Distillery and Galway Hooker Brewery.
For full details on categories and how to enter, visit www.galwaychamber.com
Friday 20th November 2026
The Galmont Hotel and Spa, Galway
Tickets and entry details available at galwaychamber.com
