Enterprising rural entrepreneurs and farmers from Mayo have been urged to submit their inspiring business ideas for the 2010/11 JFC Innovation Awards, with a prize fund worth €40,000.
The JFC Innovation Awards for Rural Business is an all-island competition for farmers and rural entrepreneurs who have an idea or a business that has commenced trading in the last five years.
Organised by DARD, (the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Development ), Teagasc, the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN ), the Irish Farmers’ Journal, and sponsored by JFC Manufacturing, the overall prize fund for the competition is valued at €40,000 and includes cash prizes totalling €12,000, provided by JFC Manufacturing, as well as advertising in the Irish Farmers’ Journal valued at €16,000, and mentoring and business support from Teagasc, ILDN, and DARD worth €16,000.
There are four categories in this year’s competition: Energy/Manufacturing; Value added/Speciality Food Services/Rural Tourism; and Start Up (for those not yet trading ).
Speaking at the launch of the awards, John Concannon, managing director of JFC headquartered in Tuam in Co Galway, said there is a wealth of talent and innovative ideas out there that needs to be tapped into.
“Innovation is needed more than ever in the current economic climate,” he added. “We need to see new businesses emerge that will create employment and generate wealth in rural areas. Our rural entrepreneurs could help lead Ireland out of the recession.”
Final date for receipt of completed entries is 5pm Friday December 10.
More detail and entry form packs can be downloaded at www.jfc.ie/InnovationAwards2010 html or www.teagasc.ie/ruraldev/startingyourownbusiness/jfcawards asp
