Businesses in Mayo hoping to be in with a chance of winning their share of €280,000 cash in this year’s InterTradeIreland All-Island Seedcorn Business Competition have only got three weeks left to submit their entries.
The competition is open to all independent companies incorporated in Ireland or Northern Ireland in the seed, start-up, or early stages of business development, and ideally targeting international markets.
Brendan Butler, InterTradeIreland board member and chair of InterTradeIreland’s EquityNetwork, is encouraging local Mayo companies to enter before the deadline: “Seedcorn is the largest business competition of its kind across the island and provides a real opportunity for businesses to receive a major cash boost in at a time when many continue to find access to funding difficult.
“As well as the significant cash prize fund on offer, the competition mimics the real-life investment process and gives companies a valuable opportunity to refine their business plan and ensure that they improve their ‘investor-readiness’. In addition, companies will receive access to an extensive business and investment community that can help boost their profile and create further investment opportunities in the future,” he said.
Companies submit their business plan to the Seedcorn Competition 2012 which is then assessed and, if shortlisted, are invited to deliver an investment pitch in front of the judging panel comprising venture capitalists, business angels, and some of the island’s leading industry experts.
The winners of Best High Growth Company and Best Emerging Company titles stand to win €100,000 and €50,000 respectively. There are also regional prizes of €20,000 and one Best Spinout prize of €10,000.
The final date for completed business plans is Wednesday September 12 at 1pm. Companies wishing to participate must register at www.intertradeireland.com/seedcorn
