FBD Insurance awards €350k in advertising support to 14 Irish SMEs

FBD Insurance has announced the 14 winners of the 2026 SME Advertising Support Campaign, awarding a combined €350,000 in professional marketing support to small businesses nationwide.

Now in its third year, the campaign has grown significantly, increasing from seven businesses in 2024 to 14 this year.

The selected businesses represent a diverse mix of sectors, including food, hospitality, retail, construction, and tourism, spanning communities across Ireland.

A total of 576 businesses entered the competition, outlining both their achievements to date and their vision for the future.

Notably, while the majority of winners are FBD customers, a number of non-FBD businesses have also been selected, reflecting the campaign’s ambition to champion Irish SMEs nationwide.

Each winning business will receive a fully funded, multi-channel advertising campaign valued at €25,000, including Out of Home, radio, print and digital media placements, designed to support their next stage of growth.

“At FBD Insurance, supporting SMEs and the communities they serve remains central to everything we do," said Nicola Ging, senior marketing manager at FBD.

"This year’s campaign is our most ambitious yet, not only increasing the number of businesses supported, but placing a real focus on their future ambitions and how we can help them realise those goals.”

“These businesses reflect the strength, creativity and resilience of Irish enterprise. Through this campaign, we are proud to amplify their stories, support their growth, and help them reach new audiences across the country.”

The campaign will roll out nationwide across the different channels from today (5 May), ensuring each business benefits from significant national exposure.

This SME-focused initiative builds on FBD’s wider commitment to supporting local enterprise through its ‘Funding, Backing, Donating’ programmes.

See the full list of winners below:

Salon 2 Hairdressing – Sligo
An award-winning salon led by Anthony, Salon 2 is known for expert styling and a strong commitment to continuous professional education. Working with leading industry brands, the team also supports skills development across the sector. Their ambition is to launch the Salon 2 Academy, providing accessible, high-quality training for stylists across the Northwest and beyond.

Lynders Holiday Parks – Dublin & Roscommon
A family-run, 4-star award-winning business developed by Micheal and Gerry Lynder, Lynders Holiday Parks offers welcoming coastal and riverside getaways focused on outdoor living and family experiences. Their vision is to grow into a leading multi-site holiday park brand, with sustainability, digital innovation and enhanced tourism offerings at its core.

Newbard Organic Farm – Waterford
Run by Siobhán Hubbard and Ross Newcombe, this family organic farm produces ethically raised meats and vegetables using regenerative practices. Their next step is to develop a farm-to-fork visitor hub and community learning centre, connecting people with sustainable food production and supporting rural tourism.

Oranmore Organic Farm – Galway
Founded by Raman, this community-focused farm supplies fresh, chemical-free produce while building strong relationships with local customers. Future plans include expanding into year-round production, launching subscription food boxes, and opening a local organic farm shop to strengthen community access to healthy food.

Dinkin’s Bakery – Monaghan & Cavan
A much-loved family bakery started by Margaret and Anthony Dinkins, with over 40 years of heritage, Dinkins is known for its freshly baked breads, cakes and welcoming café spaces. The business aims to strengthen its brand through digital marketing and continue supporting local communities through job creation. They are also looking to highlight their newly refurbished and high-quality café space.

Jinny’s Bakery – Leitrim
An artisan bakery founded by Sinead and Pascal Gillard, Jinny’s has grown from a small family operation into a national supplier. Known for quality ingredients and award-winning products, the business is now focused on exporting its range of baking mixes and expanding the business.

Russell’s Saloon – Dundalk
Transformed by Greg into a vibrant destination venue, Russell’s Saloon combines a lively bar, speakeasy cocktail space and community-driven events. The next ambition is to develop a dedicated community hub to host performances and creative events, further strengthening its role in the local area.

Fernhill Garden Centre – Westmeath
Fernhill Garden Centre is a family-run business in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, led by second-generation brothers Eoin and Austin Reid. Established in 1978, it has grown into a leading lifestyle and gardening destination, offering plants, outdoor living products, homeware and landscaping services. Set on an expansive site near the River Shannon, Fernhill is designed as a day-out destination for families. With ambitions to become a top Midlands destination, Fernhill is expanding across additional acres to enhance its overall offering, including space for new retail opportunities.

ElectroCity – Kilkenny, Carlow & Waterford
A leading Irish electrical retailer built by Bill, ElectroCity combines competitive pricing with expert advice across multiple locations. The business is investing in a major warehouse and distribution hub to increase capacity, improve efficiency and support expansion into new regions.

Behan Brothers – Dublin
Founded by Ciaran, Behan Brothers is a trusted painting and decorating business known for quality workmanship and reliability. The company is focused on scaling operations through team expansion, strengthening its brand through improved marketing and digital presence and growing its commercial customer base. They want to do this while bringing the same hands-on approach and high standards to every job.

Fzin Coffee – Cork
Founded by Sofia, Fzin Coffee is an Irish brand focused on sustainable alternatives to single-use coffee pods and packaging. Combining innovation with environmental responsibility, the business aims to scale its impact nationwide through education, partnerships and transparent sustainability initiatives.

Barnahown – Cork
A boutique countryside retreat created by Ciara, Barnahown blends heritage charm with modern comfort and a strong focus on sustainability. Set against the backdrop of the Galtee Mountains, the accommodation offers distinctive views and a peaceful rural escape. With plans to expand guest capacity, Barnahown is also focused on promoting Mitchelstown and the wider Galtees and Ballyhoura region as a unique tourism destination, supporting local businesses and driving visitor growth.

Barrow Brew – Carlow
Founded by sisters Nicola and Majella, Barrow Brew is a community-driven café that celebrates local produce and connection. The business aims to deepen its connection with its customers and other local businesses and help improve tourism along the Barrow Way, creating partnerships and experiences that showcase the best of the region. Their dream is for Barrow Brew to be a place where great coffee meets community.

JR Games – Dublin
Founded by Mary, JR Games produces GAA-themed jigsaws and gifts inspired by Irish sport. With a strong emphasis on creativity and inclusivity, the business plans to expand its product range and grow into an international destination for sports-themed gifting. One of the company’s core values is inclusivity, represented in the wide choice of products offered.