SEARCH IS ON FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
THE competition to find Wicklow’s Best Young Entrepreneur steps up a gear this week as county finals take place right across the country.
Sheelagh Daly Head of Enterprise for Wicklow said there was great interest in the competition.
‘We had a huge response to the competition this year. We’ve attracted entrepreneurs aged 18-35 from right across the county with an amazing array of business ideas and start-ups. We’ve also been really impressed by the young entrepreneurs who’ve entered in the Best-Established category, many of whom have multiple employees or are already exporting into international markets. Judging by the calibre of entries this year, the future of enterprise in Wicklow is looking bright.’
IBYE co-ordinator in Wicklow, Annette Rowsome said: ‘IBYE is a springboard for young entrepreneurs here locally, connecting them to their Local Enterprise Office who can help them to start or expand a business. Everyone who entered the competition this year was invited to “Enterprise Day” where they met with mentors, learned about the supports available to them and got really valuable business advice. From there, shortlisted companies took part in an intensive Business Bootcamp before submitting their updated business plans for the county final.’
The County Final will take place on December 12 in Wicklow Brewery, Redcross.
The event will feature a presentation of awards which will be made by special guest Minister Simon Harris. Among the at the awards ceremony will be Frank Curran Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council and previous IBYE Winners.
Annette Rowsome said: ‘County finals are pretty intense. Finalists will meet the panel of judges, present their business, conduct an interview and answer questions. Judges will then have the task of choosing a winner and runner up in each of the three categories. Winners in Wicklow will share in an investment fund of €50,000 which will help them to grow their business and build on current success. Category winners will go forward to represent Wicklow in the regional finals which are being hosted by LEO Wicklow in Tinakilly House Hotel on January 2.’
Now in its fourth year, Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur is run by the Local Enterprise Offices, in partnership with the Local Authorities, across the country and is supported by Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. The National Final will take place on Sunday, March 4, at Google HQ and the winners of the competition will share in an investment fund of €100,000. Follow the competition on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and Instagram.