Local Enterprise Office invites entries for the 2016 National Enterprise Awards

The National Enterprise Awards will take place in Dublin during May 2016 and the Local Enterprise Office Carlow is now organising the County Competition to identify Carlow’s best micro enterprise. The County Winner will go forward to represent Carlow in the National Finals and compete against 31 winning firms from around the country.

The National Enterprise Awards was introduced in 1997 and recognises the contribution that small businesses make to the Irish economy. The National Enterprise Awards competition is open to small businesses that have received support from the former CEBs or the LEO.

Eligible businesses will employ ten or less staff and previous County winners may re-enter. The Carlow County Enterprise Awards Ceremony will take place on 10^th March 2016 @ 6.30pm. The Awards Ceremony is a celebration of the diverse range of businesses in the County, and a great Networking event. The winners will be presented with specially commissioned awards, monetary prizes and Certificates of achievement with a total Prize Fund of €5,000.

The application process is as follows:

• Expression of Interest by 10^th February 2016
• Appointment of Mentor to provide assistance with your application by 12^th February 2016
• Application Preparation Stage 12^th February – 29^th February 2016
• Submission of Application: 29^th February 2016
• In Premises Judging: 7^th March 2016
• Awards Ceremony: 10^th March 2016

Applicants must complete an application form (download here) and forward together with a current Business Plan and set of up to date financial statements to Local Enterprise Office, Carlow County Council, Enterprise House, O’Brien Road, Carlow.

If you would like more information or an entry form for the National Enterprise Awards please contact Kieran Comerford on 059/9129781 or via e-mail kcomerford@carlowcoco.ie