The competition to find Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur steps up a gear this month as county finals takes place right across the country - and Kildare is no exception.
Jacqui McNabb Head of Enterprise for Kildare explains "We had a huge response to the competition this year. We've attracted entrepreneurs aged 18-35 from right across the county with an amazing array of business ideas and start-ups. We've also been really impressed by the young entrepreneurs who've entered in the Best-Established category, many of whom have multiple employees or are already exporting into international markets. Judging by the calibre of entries this year, the future of enterprise in Kildare is looking bright."
IBYE co-ordinator in Kildare, Doreen Heavey continues, "IBYE is a springboard for young entrepreneurs here locally, connecting them to their Local Enterprise Office who can help them to start or expand a business. Everyone who entered the competition was invited to Enterprise Day led by Gavin Duffy of Dragon's Den. From there, 15 shortlisted companies are taking part in an intensive Business Bootcamp before the county final."
Kildare's shortlisted entrepreneurs are:
BEST BUSINESS IDEA CATEGORY
Matthew McCann, Access Earth
Pierce Darrgan, MediEquine Records
Fiona O'Dywer, My Equine PA
Laura Dennison, Quick Course
Oisin Hurley, Talk 2 Me More
BEST START-UP BUSINESS:
Senan O'Riordan, Race Only Springs
Vivienne O'Connor, Vivienne O'Connor
Maeve Elliot, Mr Jenks
Patrick O'Callaghan, Kontex
Paul Roche, RPM Greentech
BEST ESTABLISHED BUSINESS:
Catherine Dooley, Rockfrocks
Brian Conroy, Pop Up Races
David O'Connell, True Fitness Naas
Eoin Mulvey, LapCup
Sean Corley, Martin Corley Tyres
The County Final will take place on 1st December in Kilkea Castle. The event will be hosted by LEO Kildare and presentation of awards will be made by An Tánaiste and Minster for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Frances Fitzgerald, TD.
Jacqui concludes "County Finals are pretty intense. Finalists will meet the panel of judges, present their business, face a gruelling interview and answer business questions. Judges will then have the task of choosing a winner and runner up in each of the 3 categories. Winners in Kildare will share in an investment fund of €50,000 which will help them to grow their business and build on current success. Category winners will go forward to represent Kildare in the regional finals in January."
Now in its 4th year, Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur is run by the Local Enterprise Offices, in partnership with the Local Authorities, across the country and is supported by Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. The National Final will take place on Sunday 4th March at Google HQ and the winners of the competition will share in an investment fund of €100,000. We certainly expect to see Kildare’s businesses representing our county!
