Irish American Business Chamber and Network of Philadelphia joins forces with the Irish Echo to host the Irish Small Business 50 in the City of Brotherly Love.

Small business owners are the very heartbeat of Irish American communities right across the US but until now there hasn’t been a specific event to laud their achievements.

That will be put right in May, however,  when the pioneering Irish American Business Chamber and Network of Philadelphia joins forces with the Irish Echo to host the Irish Small Business 50 in the City of Brotherly Love.

"The Irish Small Business 50 on 18 May will honor the entrepreneurs and business leaders who form the very backbone of the American economy: doers and risk-takers who have ensured that where businesses are being built and wealth created, there you will find the Irish,” said Irish Echo publisher Connla McCann. “Our nominees will be individuals who have displayed entrepreneurial can-do to make their enterprises stand out in their field. While representing myriad sectors, they will all share a commitment to business excellence and a pride in their Irish heritage.”

You can find out more about the criteria for the Irish Small Business 50 (entries are open to companies with fewer than 100 but more than five people) and nominate a standout company you admire online now. 

MRP the largest Irish-owned business in Philadelphia, will headline sponsor the awards dinner and networking evening in the storied Union League of Philadelphia. 

“As an Irish owned company, rooted in the Irish-American tradition of relentless endeavor and ambitious enterprise, we’re delighted to partner with the Irish Echo’s first event in Philadelphia,” said Kevin Cunningham, MRP’s CEO and co-founder. “MRP’s Predictive Analytics software and Account Based Marketing services helps its clients acquire and retain customers more efficiently. Through working with companies across the globe, we know all about the challenges facing emerging businesses and how important it is to celebrate those who have gained success in their chosen field” 

MRP CFO Jack Butler  added: “We are also pleased to be teaming up with the Irish American Business Chamber in this effort.   The IABCN does tremendous work in connecting the Greater Philadelphia business community with the island of Ireland.  In addition, both the IABCN and the Irish Echo have been great friends to us over the years and we are proud to join them in honoring this year’s listed companies.”

That view was echoed by Kevin Kent, Chairman of the Irish American Business Chamber and Network: “The Chamber prides itself on two decades of tireless activity to promote the interests of our members while fostering business between the United States and Ireland. The Chamber is thrilled to support the Irish Small Business 50, which spotlights some of the tremendous entrepreneurs throughout the US, particularly in Greater Philadelphia, who have grown superb businesses." 

Ireland's Gaeltacht agency Údarás na Gaeltachta, which is prioritizing tourism and investment from the US, is also supporting the awards.