More young entrepreneurs from Mayoare wanted for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE ) competition. John Magee from Local Enterprise Office Mayo is calling on more young entrepreneurs with start-up ideas or existing businesses to enter this year’s IBYE competition before the Friday, September 29 deadline.
He said: “If you’re aged between 18 and 35, or know someone who is, we’re looking for more young entrepreneurs to enter this year’s IBYE competition to represent the county. We have a €50,000 investment fund be shared by up to six local winners and lots of places to be won on Business Bootcamps later this year.”
Last year’s winners included Nigel O’ Reilly of Nigel O’ Reilly Goldsmith from Foxford, Rachel Nolan of Rachel’s Irish Adventures from Ballina and Niamh McNally of Wild Child from Westport.
Speaking about his IBYE experience, Nigel O’ Reilly said: “Honestly, the IBYE competition has completely revolutionised my business. The mentoring and exposure has allowed for bigger opportunities to come my way and move my business on at great leaps and bounds. Give it your all, it is worth it! Listen to the mentors & practice what they preach. Enjoy it, it’s a whirlwind.”
Everyone who enters IBYE in Mayo will be invited to participate in our Enterprise Day this October. Here they will have to opportunity to network with other applicants and also receive some business insight from our panel of speakers. Successful applicants will then be invited to attend our business bootcamp to help them further develop their business ideas and management skills.
Now in its fourth year, Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur is run by the 31 LEOs across the country and is supported by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland. An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald T.D said: “I would encourage all young entrepreneurs, between the ages of 18 and 35, to talk to their LEO about the IBYE programme and the valuable supports available throughout the various stages of the competition.”
The three competition categories are ‘Best Business Idea’, ‘Best Start-Up Business’ and ‘Best Established Business’. Further details are available at www.ibye.ie and the deadline to enter online is this Friday, September 29.
