Louth start-ups in Enterprise awards

OPPORTUNITY FOR LOUTH COMPANIES TO ENTER NATIONAL AWARDS

LOUTH startup companies are being encouraged to enter the National Startup Awards powered by Bank of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland which were officially launched last week by Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys, TD.

The competition recognises and rewards Irish startups for their success in business across 15 categories.

The overall winner will walk away with a prize of €10,000 and the best early stage startup will receive €5,000 to further grow and develop their businesses.

In 2017, two Louth based startups featured at the awards. GECKO Governance was shortlisted in the FinTech Startup category and Tech Startup category and walked away with silver in the FinTech category. BikesBooking.com was shortlisted in the Service Startup category.

The competition, now in its seventh year, has become a pivotal date in the Irish startup calendar. The best and brightest startup companies are recognised at a national level for their dedication, resilience and perseverance and for contributing so much to the nation’s economy.

The competition is open to companies and organisations across all sectors which have been operational for up to five years.

There are three key stages to the competition with qualifying entries first shortlisted by region and then nationally.

To enter or nominate someone for a National Startup Award visit www.startupawards.ie and submit your application by Thursday March 22nd.

Julie Sinnamon, CEO of Enterprise Ireland said: ‘Enterprise Ireland is partnering with the National Startup Awards to give businesses with the potential to scale internationally the opportunity to be catapulted onto a national stage at a crucial time in their progression and development.

Entrepreneurship is fundamental to the national and regional economy and job creation, and I encourage ambitious start-ups to submit their applications in the coming weeks.’

Ingrid Halpin, Head of Bank of Ireland, County Louth, commented: ‘We look forward to supporting this year’s entries from young companies that are making a difference to how we all live, work and play and I am encouraging all Louth startups to enter this years awards.’

To enter or nominate someone for a National Startup Award visit www.startupawards.ie and submit your application by Thursday 22 March.

Entry is free and is open to sole traders, partnerships and companies that have been set up in Ireland and that are in business for five years from date of incorporation or less at the closing date, with up to 30 employees.

The regional finals will take place during April with the national Awards taking place in Dublin on Thursday, 17th May, 2018.