{"id":7358,"date":"2025-11-21T11:11:46","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T09:11:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valga.ee\/?p=7358"},"modified":"2026-03-12T11:42:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:42:27","slug":"valgamaa-ettevotjate-tanusundmus-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valga.ee\/en\/valgamaa-ettevotjate-tanusundmus-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Valgamaa Entrepreneurs Thanksgiving 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The \u201cValgamaa Entrepreneurship Award\u201d competition has been organised by the Valgamaa Development Agency since 2008, with the aim of recognising Valgamaa entrepreneurs who have contributed to the development of the county through their good reputation and active activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year's competition received&nbsp;<strong>39<\/strong>&nbsp;a big thank you to all who have submitted their entries to the Valga County Entrepreneurs of Excellence competition!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Category&nbsp;<strong>\u201cStarter of the year\u201d<\/strong>&nbsp;is awarded to a company that has been operating for up to 3 years. The company is characterised by development, innovative products, services or ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The nominees for Valgamaa Starter of the Year are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li>TammeLeek O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>O\u00dc Kadi Kausid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RR Workshop O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bag of goods kirbukas O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>O\u00dc RMFOOD\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Milana Studio O\u00dc<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The starter of the year in Valga County 2025 is a distinctive eatery that opened its doors in 2023 and has quickly won the hearts of locals and visitors alike. In addition, it offers delicious starters, desserts and a quality drinks menu, creating a modern and cosy meeting place in the heart of the city. The restaurant was voted \u201eEstonia's best pizza restaurant\u201c in a popular vote this year, bringing the small town great recognition and attention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Valgamaa Starter of the Year 2025 is\u00a0<br>O\u00dc RMFOOD - Malmizza pizza restaurant!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Category&nbsp;<strong>\u201dInnovator of the Year\u201d<\/strong>&nbsp;The award recognises companies that have made technological or organisational innovations in products\/services in the last 3 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The nominees for Valgamaa \u201dInnovator of the Year\u201d are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li>Southeast-Estonian meetings - P\u00f5im Kama, Triin R\u00e4tsep, Kerti Vissel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Horos O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hummuli Agro O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>O\u00dc P\u00fchaj\u00e4rve Boat Harbour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missile Base R-12<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Innovator of the Year 2025 is the company that has seen the potential to take action and bring to life a place long forgotten by others. It has caught the eye by offering innovative services, through which it has introduced the Valgamaa region across Estonia and internationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Valga County Innovator of the Year is Rocket Base R-12\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Category&nbsp;<strong>\u201dService Company of the Year\u201d<\/strong>&nbsp;The award recognises a company operating in the service sector, which is characterised by a high level of service, diversity of services, originality and attractiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The nominees for Valgamaa \u201cService Company of the Year\u201d are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li>M\u00fc\u00fcgiekspert O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>O\u00dc Mehka Eesi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>O\u00dc Elektroman\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>O\u00dc Liivimaa Pharmacies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>O\u00dc Kadi Kausid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marja farm O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kaasiku farm O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SA Tehvandi Sports Centre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cranes O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Karuse Invest O\u00dc<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Service Company of the Year 2025 is a company that has been providing its services since 1999. In addition to its day-to-day work, it has contributed to charity as a supporter of the \u201cHome Feeling\u201d show. The company is highly appreciated as a fast, correct and professional service provider.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">The Service Company of the Year 2025 in Valga County is Elektroman O\u00dc!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Small Business of the Year category is awarded to a manufacturing company with a competitive business activity, fewer than 50 employees and more than 3 years\u201d experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The nominees for Valgamaa Small Business of the Year 2025 are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li>Kelts O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>P-Tech O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Astormat O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arel Plus O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OJA EHITUS O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>O\u00dc Finlaid O\u00dc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>O\u00dc Otep\u00e4\u00e4 Lihat\u00f6\u00f6stus Edgar\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Small Business of the Year 2025 Most production is exported to Europe and Asia. The company employs 14 people and has an annual turnover of over \u20ac6 million. The Keen-based planing mill produces and sells building and finishing materials from Nordic softwood.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">O\u00dc Finlaid is the \u201dSmall Business of the Year 2025\u201d in Valga County.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Large Enterprise of the Year category is awarded to a manufacturing company with a competitive business activity, more than 50 employees and more than 3 years of operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The nominees for the Valga County Large Company of the Year are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li>O\u00dc Combiwood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rapala Estonia AS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AS SAMI Production<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AS Jumek<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hummuli Agro O\u00dc<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The company employs 123 people and has invested approximately EUR 8 million in the construction of the new plant, which has increased production efficiency, introduced innovative technologies and demonstrated a commitment to developing entrepreneurship in Valga County.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">AS Sami's production will be the biggest product of the year in 2025 in Valga County.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SPECIAL PRICES:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, the company brought its production to Valga County, which has already created more than 100 jobs. Of the total production, 75% is destined for the US market, with exports to 42 countries.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">The 2025 Special Award \u201dLabour Market Stimulator\u201d goes to Rapala Eesti AS,\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Valga County, there is a company that leaves no one indifferent, both small and large are fascinated, people come with their families, friends, collectives from all over the county and all over Estonia. The company offers the opportunity to see exotic animals of 55 different species.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">2025 Special Award \u201dProvider of Special Experiences\u201d Kaasiku Talu O\u00dc,\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Entrepreneurs put their backs together and did something that has never been done here before.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">The 2025 Special Award \u201dSouth-East Estonia Advocates\u201d is given to the organisers of the South-East Estonia Dinners. <br>P\u00f5im Kama, Triin R\u00e4tsep, Kerti Vissel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every year at the beginning of September, the Valga County Development Agency organizes a treasure hunt to celebrate the birthday of Valga County, where treasure maps are hidden in the county and the finder of the treasure map wins a treasure bag filled with products\/services of Valga County companies and organizations. Anneli Kattai, head of the Valgamaa Development Agency, thanks the companies that have helped to fill the treasure bags.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li>Lilli restaurant - Maarika K\u00fctt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conspirator O\u00dc - Anne Parmas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>N\u00f5uni shop - Kristiina Liivika Tamm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sereno Reisid O\u00dc - Tiina Tedresaar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Murim\u00e4e Vein O\u00dc - Janika Ilves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Margii Beauty - Margit Liblik<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sime Beds O\u00dc - Astrid Pulk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MT\u00dc Sportlik Eesti\/ Triathlon Academy - Margus Lepik<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valgamaa Spordiliit MT\u00dc - Tiit Kattai<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lacquer Ilustuudio O\u00dc - Girli Vasiljev<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Atria Estonia AS - Meelis Laande<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AS GMP Group - Marilis Jaakson<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valga Puu O\u00dc - Andres Olesk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jansa O\u00dc - Janek Sakkis\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A-Karuse AS - Allain Karuse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rohep\u00f5llu O\u00dc - Hilma Solbaja<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Otep\u00e4\u00e4 municipality - Jorma Riivald<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valga municipality - Monika Rogenbaum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>T\u00f5rva municipality - Helen Elias<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Valgamaa Development Agency coordinates the project \u201cEntrepreneurial Youth in South Estonia\u201d, which will hold a \u201cMonth of Meetings: young people and employers\u201d across South Estonia in November. In Valga County, 11 companies\/organisations participated in the Month of Meetings. The kindergartens and schools in Valga County carried out 33 visits, with more than 585 young people taking part.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Valgamaa Development Agency would like to acknowledge and thank the companies and organisations in Valgamaa that have opened their doors to young people in South Estonia and brought together young people and employers. Rasmus Onkel, Project Manager of the Valgamaa Development Agency, and Alice Konsberg, Project Manager of the Valgamaa Development Agency, would like to thank all the participating companies and organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li>Valga, Otep\u00e4\u00e4 and T\u00f5rva Fire Brigades - Maarja Ainsoo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shroomwell O\u00dc - Triin P\u00e4rn<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valga municipality - Kristi P\u00f5ldvee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>T\u00f5rva Municipality - Helen Elias<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ursuit Baltics AS - Piret Granovski<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lacquer Ilustudio - Girli Vasiljev<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helme Pension AS - Natalja Teepere<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AS Valga Hospital - Kadi Valtsov<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund Valgamaa Department - Pille Mumm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"camera\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-camera\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M149.1 64.8L138.7 96 64 96C28.7 96 0 124.7 0 160L0 416c0 35.3 28.7 64 64 64l384 0c35.3 0 64-28.7 64-64l0-256c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64l-74.7 0L362.9 64.8C356.4 45.2 338.1 32 317.4 32L194.6 32c-20.7 0-39 13.2-45.5 32.8zM256 192a96 96 0 1 1 0 192 96 96 0 1 1 0-192z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>See the gallery: <a href=\"https:\/\/foto.aveka.ee\/valgamaa-ettevotlusauhindade-tunnustussundmus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Valgamaa Business Awards I Photographer Andrus Liivam\u00e4e\">Valgamaa Business Awards I Photographer Andrus Liivam\u00e4e<\/a> <span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"up-right-from-square\" class=\"svg-inline--fa 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