There are 35 Enterprise Boards throughout Ireland which work to support enterprise and entrepreneurialism at a level which was previously undervalued and underfunded by the state.

But, since their inception in 1993, CEBs have provided a variety of practical supports to new and existing microenterprises - companies too small to be supported by Enterprise Ireland, but of a sufficient standard to warrant significant support.

While many people rightly point to the financial supports that are available through the CEB structure (which were particularly welcome a decade ago, when banks were less likely to fund start-up business in Ireland), it is, in fact, the non-financial support which many companies are finding most helpful. So while seed capital and employment grants may offer fledgling companies some cash-flow solutions, it is training and mentoring programmes which will stand to them in the longer run, giving them the specific knowledge required to survive in a competitive business climate.

"The CEB network is an agile and adaptable structure which responds to the unique characteristics of a local business environment, " said Michael Johnson, Chairman of the Association of Chief Executive Officers of the County and City Enterprise Boards, on the night of the awards ceremony. "It is responsive and has a range of supports ranging from finance to mentoring, and from advice and training. The focus continues to be the support of entrepreneurs, and it is through the showcasing of the businesses represented in the National Enterprise Awards that others will be inspired and encouraged to grow and become the role models of the future."

Outside of the financial supports, so called "soft supports" for small companies include mentoring services, networking opportunities, exhibition opportunities and sector-specific incentive programmes, as well as management development training and cross-border micro-trade programmes.

There are also highly successful Women in Business Networks to support and encourage female entrepreneurs.