Two Mayo-based startups were shortlisted in 2017 with one company walking away with gold
Mayo startups are being encouraged to enter the National Startup Awards powered by Bank of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland which were officially launched this week by Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys.
The competition recognises and rewards Irish startups for their success in business across 15 categories. The overall winner will walk away with a prize of €10,000 and the best early stage startup will receive €5,000 to further grow and develop the business.
In 2017, Mayo-based startup Pure Glan Food was shortlisted in the Food and Drink Entrepreneurial Startup category while Big Red Barn won gold in the Product and Manufacturing Startup category.
The competition, now in its seventh year, has become a pivotal date in the Irish startup calendar. The best and brightest startup companies are recognised at a national level for their dedication, resilience, and perseverance, and for contributing so much to the nation’s economy.
The competition is open to companies and organisations across all sectors which have been operational for up to five years. There are three key stages to the competition with qualifying entries first shortlisted by region and then nationally.
Alan Durcan, head of Bank of Ireland County Mayo, commented: “We are delighted to be involved in powering the National Startup Awards in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland. Bank of Ireland is strongly committed to developing a supportive environment in which entrepreneurs can survive, thrive, and prosper.
"As Ireland’s leading bank for business we have worked with startups at all stages of growth and we continue to be inspired by the women and men who are building, creating and innovating for the future. We look forward to supporting this year’s entries from young companies that are making a difference to how we all live, work, and play, and I am encouraging all Mayo startups to enter this year's awards."
To enter or nominate someone for a National Startup Award visit www.startupawards.ie and submit an application by Thursday, March 22. Entry is free and is open to sole traders, partnerships, and companies that have been set up in Ireland and that are in business for five years from date of incorporation or less at the closing date, with up to 30 employees.
The awards judging committee will comprise representatives from Bank of Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and leading Irish entrepreneurs. The regional finals will take place during April with the national awards taking place in Dublin on Thursday, May 17.
