Go Forth Stirling has announced the longlist for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards, marking the start of public voting for the city’s annual honours.
Ten businesses have been named in each of the 14 award categories following a nomination process that attracted more than 2,200 submissions. Categories include Restaurant of the Year, New Business of the Year, Charity Shop of the Year and Outstanding Woman in Business. Voting is now open via www.independentstirling.co.uk/awards.
Run by Go Forth Stirling BID (Business Improvement District), the awards celebrate and recognise the city’s vibrant business community. A shortlist of three businesses per category will be revealed in January, followed by a second round of voting to determine the winners. The winners will be announced during the week beginning Monday 2 March, with trophies presented individually at the winners’ premises.
Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to our fourth annual business awards and are delighted to see both the public and the local business community continuing to support them. We’re proud to run an annual celebration recognising Stirling’s hardworking business owners, its unique independent scene and wide mix of national retailers.”
This year’s awards will take place in a new format, replacing the usual awards night with a week-long online celebration. McRorie-Smith explained: “We’ve made the decision to change things slightly this year, introducing a new format that involves an online campaign rather than a physical event. We recognise the costs involved for small businesses in attending an awards ceremony and appreciate how tight budgets are for everyone in the business community just now.”
More than 2,200 nominations were received across the 14 categories, resulting in a diverse longlist featuring independent businesses, charities, and outstanding businesswomen. “We saw a wonderful mix of nominees this year,” McRorie-Smith added. “Now it’s time for the public to cast their votes for their favourite accommodation, shop, pub, café, charity shop, salon or visitor attraction. Good luck to everyone!”
Among the longlisted contenders for Charity of the Year are Strathcarron Hospice, Start Up Stirling, Safebase and Andy’s Man Club. Restaurant of the Year nominees include Il Vicolo, Hoi An Quan, Café Aina, Brea, Piotsa and Mint Leaf.
Café or Coffee Shop of the Year features Book Nook, Chester’s Coffee House, Toast, Cisco’s and HBW Coffee, while Most Attractive Shop Front includes Tinkerbells Emporium, Clan Artisan, Mint Café and Contempo. Those competing for Pub of the Year include Fubar, Meraki, Jessica O’Marleys, City Walls and Molly Malones.
Further categories include Visitor Attraction of the Year, Hair & Beauty Business of the Year, Charity Shop of the Year and New Business of the Year, recognising ventures that began trading in 2025. Additional awards will be presented for Service-led Business, Accommodation of the Year, Independent Retailer of the Year, National Retailer of the Year and Outstanding Woman in Business.
Voting for the longlisted businesses closes on Friday 9 January, with the shortlist announced shortly after. The final round of voting will run from Friday 16 January until Friday 13 February, and winners will be revealed from Monday 2 March. The recipient of the Outstanding Woman in Business award will be announced separately on International Women’s Day, Sunday 8 March.
In Case You Missed It:
The Stirling Business Awards form part of Go Forth Stirling’s ongoing mission to promote the city’s independent and national businesses. The BID represents more than 600 business owners and works to attract visitors to Stirling, supporting initiatives that help make the city a thriving and welcoming destination for shoppers and entrepreneurs alike.
For full details, visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk.
