Business News

National Enterprise Award finalists announced

By Business & Finance
25 May 2016
National Enterprise Award Finalists
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD (second from left) is joined by Kieran Comerford of the Local Enterprise Offices; Mark Christal of Enterprise Ireland; last year’s overall winner, Linda Nolan of MyBio in Kilkenny; and Paul Reid, chair of the Local Government Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Committee

The 32 Irish small businesses that have reached the National Enterprise Awards Final, organised by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), have been announced.

Businesses in technology, manufacturing, food, online and energy dominate this year’s list, which has a prize fund of €40,000 and was set up nearly two decades ago to celebrate the success of Ireland’s small businesses and micro-enterprises.

There are representatives from every county in the final, which will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Twelve awards will be presented including eight new regional trophies and the overall winner will receive €10,000 to invest in their business.

The announcement of finalists was made at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in Dublin by Minister Mitchell O’Connor, accompanied by Kieran Comerford of the LEOs, Mark Christal of Enterprise Ireland, Paul Reid, chair of the Local Government Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Committee and last year’s overall winner, Linda Nolan of MyBio in Kilkenny.

Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, said: “Two-thirds of all new jobs are created by start-ups and I want to encourage more people to start new businesses. The Local Enterprise Offices are at the core of this. They work towards embedding an enterprise culture at local level. These awards showcase the innovation, creativity and the development potential across the micro and small business sectors. By highlighting all these success stories, the National Enterprise Awards give well deserved recognition to Ireland’s small business champions.”

Kieran Comerford of the Local Enterprise Offices added: “Small businesses, sole traders and start-ups are becoming the heroes of the economic recovery and we want to celebrate their successes and talents. The Local Enterprise Offices, through the Local Authorities Network, support thousands of small businesses in the community every year and the National Enterprise Awards are a way of recognising their remarkable achievements.”

In previous years, winners have included Irish Yoghurts, Innovate, Grouse Recording Studios, Simtech Aviation and Design Pro.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on June 9th.