Action Tuam are calling on people with a new, innovative idea or those who have set up a business within the last 5 years to “TAKE ACTION” to compete in an exciting Entrepreneur Competition with a first-place prize of €20,000.

Participants in this exciting competition, which is being run in conjunction with Galway Local Enterprise Office (LEO), are asked to submit a detailed business plan to meet a pressing need or fill a gap in the market that they have identified.

With a closing date for applications of Friday 12^th April, the main event will take place on Friday 3^rd May in the Ard Rí House Hotel, Tuam.

In the morning, participants will be offered a unique and invaluable opportunity of speed-mentoring with a group of seasoned business mentors. This supportive yet rigorous mentoring environment will assist participants in developing and honing their ideas, before fine tuning their pitch and presenting to a panel of judges in the afternoon. The judges will assess each entry on the market research conducted, the customer value, the viability of the business model, and their strategy for the future. Prize winners will be announced at a Business Networking event at the end of May 2024.

Chairperson Ronán Long said “Promoting enterprise and stimulating entrepreneurship is at the core of Action Tuam’s mission. It is essential that we continue to encourage entrepreneurial spirit and help our ambitious home-grown start-ups to develop and thrive. As a Board of Directors, we recognise that the first few years in any business are by far the toughest and as such we wish to offer much needed support and encouragement at this early stage”.

The Take Action Competition will also include a Student category open to all third level students in Co. Galway. It is hoped that the competition will encourage would-be entrepreneurs to take learnings from their college courses and put them into action by developing a business plan. Daniel Hardiman, Treasurer of Action Tuam is sponsoring this category and says, “Hardiman Life and Pensions is keen to encourage students to engage in entrepreneurship. It is something that will stand to them in their future career, with the entrepreneurial way of thinking beneficial for whatever type of employment they choose to pursue.”

Caroline McDonagh of LEO Galway added "This competition will challenge entrepreneurs with a business idea or those already in business to focus where their business is now, and where they can take it. The mentoring and support they receive during the process is of significant value and for the winners a real chance to grow their business."

To enter the “Take Action” Business competition, simply email info@actiontuam.com with the subject title “Take Action Competition” for an entry form and a full list of prizes and eligibility.

Submit your application by Friday 12^th April 2024 at 5pm. Entry is free and is open to sole traders, partnerships and companies within a 20km of Tuam that have been in business for five years or less at the closing date of the competition. The awards judging committee will comprise representatives from Action Tuam, Local Enterprise Office, Bank of Ireland, and Atlantic Technological University.