Wicklow applicants sought for 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year competition

WICKLOW entrepreneurs are being invited to submit nominations for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) 2017 programme.

Now, in its 20th year, the programme was launched last week and this year’s theme is ‘Leading through Change’.

Businesses in the Garden County have until Wednesday, February 22, to get their nominations in and 24 finalists will be announced on April 22.

Kevin McLoughlin, partner for the EOY programme said: ‘I am delighted to launch the 2017 EOY programme, which I am incredibly proud to say is in its 20th year. The benefits of participation extend far beyond winning the award in October. The successful finalists will gain national and international exposure, gaining media profile across TV, radio, print and online. They will also connect with our exclusive network of over 450 of Ireland’s top entrepreneurs and get an opportunity to go on our renowned international CEO Retreat.’

The programme is open to entrepreneurs across all sectors and growth stages, across the island of Ireland. The awards programme is divided into three categories – Emerging, Industry and International – with eight finalists chosen per category.

The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent panel of judges, comprised of former EOY winners and chaired by Anne Heraty of CPL Resources plc.

Individuals who wish to put themselves forward or nominate an entrepreneur with their consent, can fill out the online nomination form at www.eoy. ie or call the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year team for further information on 01 221 2250. THE Wicklow County Campus in Rathnew will play host to a business training event titled ‘Maximising opportunities to sell to the Audio Visual Industry.’

Local Enterprise Office Wicklow are organising the event which will focus on supporting participants in the development of their sales and marketing plan for audio visual industry.

The Irish TV and film industry is estimated to be worth over €550 milion to the Irish economy and provides over 6,000 jobs in the sector.

The audio visual industry in Ireland is booming and expanding rapidly. The industry buy an extremely diverse range of products and services and this programme is designed for existing or pre start businesses that are interested in offering products or services to meet the needs of the AV industry.

It will include how to identify what the industry needs and assess the full range of opportunities, and the Irish AV landscape will be explored as well, such as the key stakeholders and organisations as well as sources of information and support.

Participants will also hear how to build a network and sustainable relationships in the industry.

An invited guest speaker will offer current insights directly from the industry.

The business training event takes place on Thursday, February 9, from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m..

The cost of the programme is €20 and it will be delivered by The Entrepreneurs Academy.

Visit www.localenterprise.ie/Wicklow to book online.