A total prize fund of €10,000 and a chance to compete in the national finals is up for grabs for Donegal businesses in this year’s Donegal Enterprise Awards, and entries to the competition are now open.
The competition is open to all business sectors in Donegal that employ less than 50 full-time staff with awards in eight separate categories this year.
Awards will be presented for Best Established Business (over 18 months trading) with a runner-up in that category as well.
There will also be a winner and runner-up in the Best Start-Up Award, while awards will also be presented for Best Donegal Export Enterprise, Best Donegal Enterprise Innovation and also for Food Coast and Creative Coast categories.
Businesses who enter must have been in receipt of direct Local Enterprise Office supports under one or more of the following interventions: Grant aid; Mentoring Programme; Trading Online Voucher Scheme; Participation on LEO Training Programmes; MicroFinance Ireland Scheme.
Previous competitors have insisted that it’s not just the prize fund – but the positive spin-off from being short-listed that has really paid dividends for their businesses – and Head of Enterprise in Donegal, Michael Tunney, says he hopes businesses in the county will get their entries in before the deadline on Monday 11th November.
“We have really simplified the process and I would urge businesses in the county to take the opportunity to let people know that they can and do have successful businesses, right here in Donegal.
“As a county, our economy is dominated by small and micro-businesses. The contribution of these businesses and these awards can highlight the important role they play in providing employment and contributing to the sustainability of their local communities,” Mr Tunney said.
Explaining that the Donegal Business Awards are part of the National Enterprise Awards scheme, Mr Tunney maintained they would celebrate the achievements and recognise the success stories of small business owners.
“The Donegal Enterprise Awards celebrate the diversity and strength of the small business community in Donegal and the role they play in our local community.
“The awards have been the highlight of the business calendar in Donegal for over 20 years and we’re hoping that businesses operating in the county will have faith in themselves to put their best foot forward to enter the competition” Mr. Tunney added.
To enter, applicants must submit a soft copy of a simple application form and a recent set of financial statements before the closing date of 12pm on Monday 11th November
Forms are available to download from www.localenterprise.ie/donegal and completed applications should be e.mailed to grace.korbel@leo.donegalcoco.ie before 12 noon on Monday 11th November 2019.
Hard copies of applications can be delivered to the Local Enterprise Office Donegal, Donegal County Council, Enterprise Fund Business Centre, Ballyraine, Letterkenny by the closing date and time.
For more information call the Local Enterprise Office 074-9160735 or visit the Local Enterprise website www.localenterprise.ie/donegal
