Threetowns competingfor nationalaward
ARKLOW, Blessington and Greystones are all competing to be crowned Ireland’s most enterprising town.
The Bank of Ireland National Enterprising Town will see 78 towns across 31 local authorities vie to be named the national winner.
By entering the National Enterprising Town Awards Competition, each town has an opportunity to focus on the strengths of their town and to present their town in the best possible light with a common voice.
In Wicklow, Arklow, Blessington and Greystones are competing in various categories which will include regional runner-up, regional winner, city award, merit awards, national category winners and the overall national winner.
With a total prize fund of €110,000, over 30 cash prizes will be awarded to various winners. The overall winning town, city village or urban area will be awarded total prize money of €23,000, a trophy and the prestigious title of Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprising Town 2017.
The judging panel will visit each of the local organising committees from late August through to mid- October with the winners announced at an awards ceremony in November.
The judges will consider a range of factors which demonstrate enterprising spirit and success including: The Enterprising Town – local enterprise initiatives, business groups, innovations in the community and social enterprises; Attractiveness of the town – welcome signage, appearance, parking and accessibility; Partnerships and reaching out – collaboration with local councils and agencies, joint initiatives between businesses, diaspora engagement and twinning; Town leadership and vision – innovative forward thinking and planning to support enterprise development; Community support – support for local businesses’ key services and culture, sports, heritage, environment; Awards or recognitions that the town or city village/area has achieved.
Maria Coleman, Bank of Ireland, Head of County Wicklow said: ‘As Ireland’s Enterprise Bank, we recognise that SME’s, start-ups and community organisations are a significant driver of the overall prosperity of the city or county. Local business owners and community groups want to see their town doing well, and there is nothing like a bit of healthy competition to motivate people to put their best foot forward. We want to recognise and reward those places where small businesses and community groups are working together with their local council and state agencies to promote enterprise.’