The winners of the County Carlow Finals of Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur 2014 were announced on Monday 13th October 2014 in the Seven Oaks Hotel , Carlow. These awards, supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and run by the network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEO’s) are an integral part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2014.

The awards were conferred in three main categories and were selected from a list of twenty entries.

The winner of the Best New Idea category was Ana Kehoe with her idea Best New Idea - Ana Kehoe, “Hats off to U”. The winner of the Best Start Up category was Roisín Hynes, “Bank IT” and Eva Milka & Lucas Kurowski from “Gaelic Escargot” won the Best Established Investment category. 

The overall winner for the County Carlow Young Entrepreneur 2014 was Roisín Hynes, “Bank IT"

Each County Carlow winner will now progress to the Regional finals in which they will compete to go through to National finals. Ultimately, they will compete to be named Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur, at the National ceremony in December 2014.Cllr. Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “ Carlow County Council is delighted to be associated with such a prestigious award. Experience shows that entrepreneurs have been the catalyst for enabling the creation of sustainable jobs and companies.

These Awards are our way of showcasing the creativity in our economy in difficult times, while acknowledging the effort and commitment shown by the youth of County Carlow".Kieran Comerford, Head of Local Enterprise said, “County Carlow is absolutely delighted with the substantial response and the quality of applications for the IBYE awards. With 20 submissions for the awards made in County Carlow, it is a clear indication of just how vibrant young entrepreneurship is in the County. This is especially encouraging that so many young people are considering starting a business as an alternative career”.

Notes to the Editor: Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (www.ibye.ie) is run by the network of new Local Enterprise Offices across the country.  Local Enterprise Offices are the First Stop Shop for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Ireland.  The winners at County/City level will be eligible for an investment in their business of up to €50,000 with an overall national winners fund of €100,000.Investments in winning businesses will be determined according to business prospects and investment needs.

Further information from:

Kieran Comerford - Head of Local Enterprise

Local Enterprise Office - Carlow County Council       

Carlow County Council

Enterprise House

O'Brien Road

Carlow

Phone (059) 9129781 / 086-8252037

Fax: (059)  9141503

E-mail:  kcomerford@carlowcoco.ie  

 Web:   www.localenterprise.ie/carlow