Leo continues search for young entrepreneurs
Young entrepreneurs with a business that’s at least two years old are being encouraged by the Local Enterprise Office Westmeath to enter this year’s ‘Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur’ competition (#IBYE).
The Action Plan for Jobs initiative is aimed at those aged between 18 and 30 and the Local Enterprise Office has an investment fund of €20,000, to present to a “best established” business owner, based in the locality.
Supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland, the competition is designed to seek out and support entrepreneurial talent across the country.
A total investment fund of €50,000 is on offer through the Local Enterprise Office, €20,000 of which, will go to the ‘Best Established Business’ winner. Another €20,000 investment fund is on offer for the ‘Best Start-Up’ winner locally, with €10,000 on offer to the ‘Best New Idea’ winner.
Last year’s IBYE winners from the area were: Best New Idea with a prize fund of €10K went to Rebecca Butler, Streete; Best Start up Business less than 18 months in operation with a prize fund of €20K went to Brian Kelly, T/A BK Leisure, Unit 4 Garycastle, Dublin Rd, Athlone; Best Established Business with a prize fund of €20K went to DG Ventures, Kinnegad, C/o Dean Gammel.
Christine Charlton from the Local Enterprise Office Westmeath explains: “One of the three categories this year is called ‘Best Established Business’ and that’s open to anyone aged 30 or under, who set up their own business more than two years ago.
"Through IBYE, they can grow and develop their businesses further, gaining investment, skills and connections that can open up new markets and opportunities.
"To start accessing the supports now on offer, we’re encouraging young entrepreneurs to get in touch with us here at the Local Enterprise Office and to visit www.ibye.ie.”
The closing date across all three categories for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition is Friday August 21.
Entry is free online and full details are available through www.ibye.ie, or by searching #IBYE on social media.