Local Enterprise Office Kildare invites entries for the 2017 National Enterprise AwardsThe National Enterprise Awards will take place in Dublin during June 2017 and the Local Enterprise Office Kildare is now organizing the County Competition to identify Kildare’s best micro enterprise .The County Winner will go forward to represent Kildare in the National Finals and compete against 31 winning firms from around the country.The National Enterprise Awards was introduced in 1997 and recognizes 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. Eligibility:
•The Business must have 10 employees or less;
•The Business must have been in receipt of grant assistance or other supports (eg. training, mentoring) from LEO Kildare;
•LEO Kildare Clients who have transferred to Enterprise Ireland since Jan 2017 are also eligible to apply.
•Previous County winners that satisfy the above criteria are eligible to enter.
The county winner will have to have demonstrated a track record of success ,in the following areas
- Business Strategy
- Growth in sales
- Competitiveness
- Profitability
- Employment
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurial Skills
The county competition will take place on between 5TH -9TH March 2017 at a Business Networking Event as part of Enterprise Week 2017. The winners will be presented with specially commissioned awards, monetary prizes and Certificates of achievement with a total Prize Fund of €5,000.
LEO Kildare Winner: €2,500 cash + €1,000 soft support voucher ,LEO Kildare Runner Up: €1,000 cash + €500 soft support voucher
The Kildare County Enterprise Awards Ceremony will take place on 10th March 2017. The Awards Ceremony is a celebration of the diverse range of businesses in the County, and a great Networking event. The application process is as follows:
•Express your Interest by 8th February 2017 via e-mail with your Business Name ,Address, Year Started , Current Level of Staff, 100 Word Description of your business to localenterprise@kildarecoco.ie •Appointment of Mentor to provide assistance with your application by 10th February 2017 •Application Preparation Stage 10th February 2017 to 2nd March 2017 •Submission of Application: 3rd March 2017 •In Premises Judging by an independent judging panel : 7th March 2017 •Awards Ceremony: 10th March 2017 Applicants must meet the criteria and complete an application form and forward together with a current Business Plan and set of up to date financial statements to Local Enterprise Office , Kildare County Council , Aras Chill Dara, Devoy Park,Naas, Kildare If you would like more information or an entry form for the National Enterprise Awards please contact our Offices on 045 980838 or via e-mail to localenterprise@kildarecoco.ie
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