Bank of Ireland is calling on all local start-ups to enter the Bank of Ireland Startup Awards 2015 — as the closing date for entries has been extended to Thursday, September 17 This is the second year that the Bank is sponsoring the awards which are open to start-up companies across Ireland.
This year there are 11 award categories which recognise and reward Irish startups for their success in business across a range of sectors including digital, food and drink, retail and technology. The awards also include a Grand Prix award for the startup of the year and a Startup Hero award. Last year there was over 750 entries for the awards, the winner of the Grand Prix award was Agile Networks and the Irish Biz Party won the Startup Hero Award, highlighting the many different companies across all sectors that enter the awards. This year a new category has been added to the awards to recognise the significant contribution made by those who come to Ireland to set up their business - the Overseas Startup Setting Up in Ireland Award.
Companies can enter the awards on their own behalf or can be nominated by a friend or colleague. Again this year there will be four regional finals which will take place across Dublin, the rest of Leinster, Munster and Connacht/Ulster. Regional winners will be shortlisted for the national final taking place in Dublin in the November.
Speaking about the awards Gerry Prizeman, Head of Enterprise Development at Bank of Ireland said he encourages all Irish start-ups to enter the awards.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for them to tell their story and to get recognition for their hard work. We are delighted to again sponsor the Startup Awards this year, last we received a very high calibre of entries and I am looking forward to seeing this repeated in the quality of applications again this year.”
Stephen Dillon, Founder of Startups.ie said the awards represent a unique opportunity for startups across the country to give their business a real boost. Starting any business is a challenge and these awards strive to give hard working entrepreneurs the recognition that they deserve. In addition by participating in these awards ambitious startups stand to gain invaluable media exposure, will enjoy great networking opportunities and will have the chance to win some amazing prizes to help support the growth of their business”.
To enter or nominate someone for a Startup Award visit www.startupawards.ie . Entry into the awards is free and is open to sole traders, partnerships and Irish companies in business for three years or less with up to 30 employees. The awards judging committee will comprise of representatives from Bank of Ireland, local enterprise offices and regional leading Irish entrepreneurs.
The closing date for entries into the awards is Thursday, September 17 and regional finalists will be announced on Thursday, 15 October with the national gala final taking place in Dublin in Thursday November 12. Further information on the awards will also be available via the Bank of Ireland Twitter account @BOIbusiness and a dedicated hashtag has been created for the event #boistartupawards.
