Local Enterprise Office seeking Sligo’s budding entrepreneurs
“It could be you!” so said Head of Enterprise John Reilly, as he announced the launch of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur 2019 in Sligo
“We’re looking for dynamic, innovative young business people to enter the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur 2019 competition in Sligo. Who knows, you might make it all the way to the national final in Google in September!”
Hosted by the Local Enterprise Offices around the country, the competition is staged in conjunction with the Dept. of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities of Ireland.
Now in its fifth year, this nationwide competition invites 18-35 year olds who have a business idea, a start-up or an already established business to enter.
John Reilly continued: “Applying is quick and simple. It takes about 15 minutes, is free of charge and is done on www.IBYE.ie.
“Applicants are then invited to participate in an Enterprise Day hosted by the Local Enterprise Office.
“Shortlisted applicants take part in Business Bootcamps and compete in the county final.
“Here in Sligo we have an investment fund of €50,000 to share between the winners of the Best Business Idea, Best Start-Up and Best Established Business categories.”
From there, county winners go on to compete at regional finals and, if successful, all the way to the national finals.
But it’s not all about the National Finals. John Reilly said that: “We know from past participants that the real value for them is in being part of the process.
“Taking part in Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur challenges young business people to stop and really focus on where their business is now and where they can take it.
“The business planning, mentoring, advice and support they receive during the process is really valuable.
“They tell us that being part of IBYE helps them to build a network of fellow entrepreneurs and they often become trusted friends and advisors to each other.
“Finally, IBYE is often their first experience of getting media exposure, which is a really important in building profile.”