In Leitrim, the competition to find Leitrim's Best Young Entrepreneur will be run by the new Local Enterprise Office.  Winners will be named in three categories, best new idea, best start up and best new venture for an established business as well as an overall winner who will be Leitrim's Best Young Entrepreneur.

The Local Enterprise Office Leitrim will have a fund of €50,000 to invest in the three winning businesses.  Mentoring, marketing and other supports will also be available to participating businesses at various stages of the competition.  The competition is open to individuals aged 30 and under.

"The aim of the initiative is to encourage and support a culture of entrepreneurship among young people in Ireland, to promote entrepreneurship as a career choice, and to encourage the establishment and development of new innovative businesses by Ireland's Young Entrepreneurs." said the minister for Jobs, Innovation and Enterprise, Richard Bruton.

This project is an integral part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2014 and is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through the Local Enterprise Offices.

Applying is simple - go to www.localenterprise.ie/leitrim or contact Local Enterprise Office Leitrim on 071 9650420.

Applications for this Programme are closed for 2014