Kildare's Young Entrepreneurs take part in Enterprise Day
The competition to find Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur steps up a gear this month as National Enterprise Day takes place right across the country - and Kildare is no exception.
Jacqui McNabb Head of Enterprise for Kildare explains “We had a huge response to the competition this year with over 60 applications. We’ve attracted entrepreneurs aged 18-35 from right across the county with an amazing array of business ideas and start-ups. We’ve also been really impressed by the young entrepreneurs who’ve entered in the Best-Established category, many of whom have multiple employees or are already exporting into international markets. Judging by the calibre of entries this year, the future of enterprise in Kildare is very exciting.”
IBYE co-ordinator in Kildare, Doreen Heavey continues, “IBYE is a springboard for young entrepreneurs here locally, connecting them to their Local Enterprise Office who can help them to start and expand a business.”
Everyone who entered the competition was invited to Enterprise Day held at the Keadeen Hotel on Thursday 21st March. The interactive workshop was delivered by Gavin Duffy of Dragon’s Den. Gavin spent the day coaching over 50 of Kildare’s young entrepreneurs in improving their networking and pitching skills, and in how to successfully grow a business. From there the shortlisted companies will be taking part in an intensive Business Bootcamp delivered by the Entrepreneurs Academy before the county final.
The County Final will take place on 2nd May. The event will be hosted by LEO Kildare and presentation of awards will be made by An Tánaiste and Minster for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Frances Fitzgerald, TD.
Jacqui concludes: “County Finals are intense. Finalists will meet the panel of judges, present their business, face a gruelling interview and answer business questions. Judges will then have the task of choosing a winner and runner up in each of the 3 categories. Winners in Kildare will share in an investment fund of €50,000 which will help them to grow their business and build on current success”
Category winners will go forward to represent Kildare in the regional finals in January.
Now in its 5th year, Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur is run by the Local Enterprise Offices, in partnership with the Local Authorities, across the country and is supported by Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. The National Final will take place on Sunday 4th March at Google HQ and the winners of the competition will share in an investment fund of €100,000. We certainly expect to see Kildare’s businesses representing our county!
