The shortlist for the Waterford Business Awards 2026 has been announced, with 39 businesses from across Waterford recognised for their excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship and contribution to the local economy.

The awards are organised by Waterford Chamber, with the support of Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, Waterford City & County Council and WLR.

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in the Tower Hotel on Friday, November 13th.

The 39 shortlisted businesses represent a broad cross-section of Waterford’s business community, including start-ups, small and medium-sized businesses, major employers, hospitality businesses, community organisations and internationally focused companies.

Businesses are shortlisted across 13 categories, covering areas including customer service, sustainability, innovation, marketing, tourism, hospitality and business growth.

Waterford Chamber President Marian Walsh congratulated all of the shortlisted businesses.

She said the standard of entries demonstrates the “ambition, resilience and creativity” across the Waterford business community.

She added that the awards recognise businesses ranging from new enterprises taking their first steps to established companies employing hundreds of people, as well as organisations making a difference in local communities.

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber President Tommie Murphy said the diversity of this year’s shortlist was particularly significant.

He said tourism and hospitality businesses, manufacturers, technology companies, professional services, retailers, community organisations, food businesses and major employers are all represented.

The winners in each category will be announced at the awards ceremony, where the Overall Waterford Business of the Year will also be revealed.

A Judges Recognition Award and an Entrepreneur of the Year Award will also be presented.

WLRfm CEO Michael Byrne said WLR was delighted to be media partners for the awards and would welcome the shortlisted companies to the WLR Broadcast Centre in the coming weeks.

He said supporting the local business community was hugely important to WLR and congratulated all of those shortlisted.

The awards will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, employers and representatives from across Waterford and the wider South East to celebrate the achievements of the region’s business community.