€50k investment fund up for grabs
More young entrepreneurs from Sligo are wanted for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition.
John Reilly, Head of Enterprise, from Local Enterprise Office Sligo is calling on more young entrepreneurs with start-up ideas or existing businesses to enter this year’s IBYE competition before the September 29 th deadline.
He said: “If you’re aged between 18 and 35, or know someone who is, we’re looking for more young entrepreneurs to enter this year’s IBYE competition to represent the county.
“We have a €50,000 investment fund to be shared by up to six local winners and lots of places to be won on Business Bootcamps later this year.”
Last year’s winners included Ronan O’Loughlin in the Best Business Idea category with his business, Lock- On Ltd. Carolanne Rushe was the winner in the Best Start Up Business category with her business, Sweet Beat Ltd. Heinrich Anhold was national runner-up in the Best Established Business category with his business Stablelab.
“For anyone looking to enter it is an invaluable opportunity to both grow your business and hone your business model. With local support and the potential for further national support.
“No brainer, as a launch pad for those thinking to start up and for those trying to lift off ”, says Rhona Togher, previous winner from Sligo
Speaking about his IBYE experience, Heinrich Anhold from Stablelab said: “The IBYE process and networking with other ambitious, young entrepreneurs, has been exiting, rewarding and thought provoking”.
Fifteen of those who enter IBYE in Sligo will be invited to participate in a Business Bootcamp in November to help them further develop their business ideas and management skills.
Now in its fourth year, Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur is run by the 31 LEOs across the country and is supported by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland.
An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald T.D said: “I would encourage all young entrepreneurs, between the ages of 18 and 35, to talk to their LEO about the IBYE programme and the valuable supports available throughout the various stages of the competition.”
The three competition categories are ‘Best Business Idea’, ‘Best Start-Up Business’ and ‘Best Established Business’. Further details are available at www.ibye.ie and the deadline to enter online is September 29 th 2017.