Awards encourage enterprise as new businesses booming
across the nation and as a result, a number of new awards have been created that reflect some of the sectors that could make a real difference to the economy over the next few years such as cyber, fintech, medtech and mobile technologies.
I also believe that an event that celebrates entrepreneurs should be about more than being just another business awards ceremony and that a reboot of the awards this year offers an opportunity to add real value to those applying.
That is why, on the same day as the awards, key stakeholders in the Welsh entrepreneurial ecosystem will be working together to hold the Wales Start-Up festival as a free event.
This will be an opportunity for attendees to hear inspirational talks by successful entrepreneurs, attend advice clinics and workshops and showcase the best of Welsh entrepreneurship.
For the first time we are also encouraging our sponsors to directly support those entering the awards. For example, NatWest bank is offering a fast-track route to their digital accelerator to all finalists and Mazuma is gifting them two months’ free subscription to its accountancy services.
The Celtic Manor Resort, sponsor of the food and drink start-up of the year award, will be giving all shortlisted firms in their category the amazing opportunity to showcase their products at their four hotels in Newport, as well as the new International
Convention Centre. Imagine what a boost that will be for a new Welsh business to be given the opportunity to have its products on show in the UK’s best hotel!
Therefore, with more than 25 sponsors and supporters from across the entrepreneurship ecosystem, the 2020 Wales Start-Up Awards are focused on championing new businesses not only through celebrating their success, but by working with the best to help them fulfil their potential.
We have some incredible entrepreneurs here in Wales who have seized the opportunity to start a new business and it is a great honour to be able to celebrate their achievements later this year at the Depot in Cardiff.