By Business & Finance 
Bank of Ireland launched its 2020 Begin Together Awards, featuring a prize fund of over €200,000 to support towns across Ireland in recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic
On Friday 10 July, 2020, Bank of Ireland launched its 2020 Begin Together Awards. The awards feature a prize fund of over €200,000 to support towns across Ireland in recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief executive of Bank of Ireland’s retail Ireland division Gavin Kelly said the bank was focused on initiatives to help the Ireland ‘reboot.’
“Our experience has shown that incredible things can be achieved when communities, business groups and local authorities come together to meet their own challenges and make their own opportunities,” he said.
“This year, Covid-19 has presented the biggest challenge to our physical, mental and financial well-being in living memory, which makes that can-do enterprising spirit more important than ever.
“Through the lockdown, Bank of Ireland took immediate steps to support our customers and the national effort. Now, as the country moves to recovery, we’re focussed on practical initiatives that can help Ireland to reboot.”
Bank of Ireland is working with the Community Foundation, which will administer the fund, and a number of partners including Action Mental Health and Sport NI in the north of Ireland, who have supported the development of the fund and will assist in short-listing applicants for funding.
There are 21 awards to be presented, with the overall winner receiving €50,000 and the title of ‘Most Enterprising Town’.
The closing date for entries is August 24th. Details of the awards can be found at bankofireland.com/begintogetherawards.
