Eesti Elustiili Auhinnad 2026:
From Gala to a Nationwide SME & Community Platform

In 2025, Eesti Elustiili Auhinnad proved something important. Community has a voice.

Over 500 nominations were submitted from across Estonia. More than 10,000 people participated in the public vote within the first two weeks. In total, nearly 30,000 votes were cast. Through social media and digital channels, the message reached hundreds of thousands.

This was not merely an event.

But EELA was never meant to be just a gala evening.

The awards revealed something much bigger: small and medium-sized businesses across Estonia are deeply valued by their communities, yet many still lack consistent visibility, structured networks and strategic partnerships that would enable sustainable growth.

If Estonian entrepreneurship is to scale in a balanced and nationwide way, three elements must move in the same direction: visibility, community and capital.

This is where 2026 begins.

From 2026 onwards, Eesti Elustiili Auhinnad will evolve into a year-round platform connecting entrepreneurs and communities across Estonia.

The vision is clear:

• Increase visibility for small and medium-sized enterprises

• Strengthen regional and cross-sector networks

• Build strategic partnerships between business, community and capital

The gala remains an important annual highlight. But between those evenings, the real work happens.

The platform will support founders, local businesses, creative industries and regional initiatives by providing continuous exposure, structured storytelling and meaningful partnership opportunities throughout the year.

Estonia is internationally recognised for its digital innovation and startup ecosystem. Yet many successful small businesses operate outside that spotlight — in hospitality, culture, wellness, retail, tourism and local services. They form the backbone of everyday economic life and community cohesion.

EELA’s next phase aims to connect that backbone with broader visibility and stronger business relationships.

This is not only about celebration. It is about infrastructure.

An infrastructure of recognition, connection and long-term value creation.

I am currently open to discussions with strategic partners, financial institutions and forward-thinking organisations that recognise the importance of supporting Estonia’s SME landscape in a structured and meaningful way.

If we align community energy with smart capital and consistent visibility, the impact can extend far beyond a single event.

The next chapter begins now.

Mari-Liis Ivalo
Eesti Elustiili Auhinnad / Founder