Minister John Perry, T.D. Minister of State with special responsibility for Small Business (Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation), officially launched the “Westmeath New Business Ideas Competition 2012” in the Atrium, County Buildings, Mullingar on Thursday 26th January 2012.
The competition is an initiative of Westmeath County Council, Westmeath County Enterprise Board and the Member Agencies of the Economic Development Sub-Committee of Westmeath County Development Board, in association with the other main sponsors: LIR Investors, Stephens Cooke & Associates and Handyweb, all supporting start-up business in Westmeath and proud to offer this business promotion opportunity.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Perry said that: “Jobs are a top priority for Government and local authorities play a central role in supporting economic development and enterprise at local level. This initiative is a prime example of the public and private sectors working in partnership for the betterment of society.”
The Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr. Mark Cooney said that “the aim of the competition is to create a real opportunity to find a new business with an innovative idea, that will create sustainable employment in Westmeath and that will encourage individuals with an entrepreneurial flair to consider self-employment as a real option”.
First Prize in the competition will be €12,000 worth of business supports – essentially the tools to start your own business from scratch and consisting of:
● An Enterprise Unit (circa 1,000 sq.ft) rent free for one year, to a value of €4,000 from Westmeath County Council.
● Start-Up Finance of €2,000 from Lir Investors.
● Accountancy and Advisory Services to the value of €2,000 from Stephens Cook & Associates, Mullingar.
● Website Design to the value of €2,000 from Handyweb, Mullingar and,
● Business Mentoring to the value of €2,000 from Westmeath County Enterprise Board
● Two runners-up will receive a Business Mentoring voucher to the value of €1,000 each from Westmeath County Enterprise Board.
Mr. Danny McLoughlin, County Manager said that “Westmeath County Council is delighted to associated with the initiative, which shows a collaborative approach by statutory and local agencies, acting locally to assist in employment creation in the county”
Cllr. Colm Arthur, Chairperson of the Economic Development Sub-Committee of Westmeath County Development Board indicated that “The competition applicants will benefit from the process by receiving feedback on their business idea from the expert judging panel and encouragement and motivation to develop their business, while also being in with the chance to win the top prize, worth €12,000 and get good publicity for their potential business”
Entrants to the competition will be required to complete the application form that is available to download at www.westmeathcoco.ie, and www.westcd.ie, or available in hardcopy from the Customer Services Desk, County Buildings Mullingar; from the offices of Westmeath County Enterprise Board, Church Avenue, Mullingar and from the offices of Westmeath Community Development Ltd, Mullingar Enterprise Technology and Innovation Centre, Clonmore, Mullingar.
The competition process will shortlist FIVE Finalists, who in their application must declare availability for follow-up interview and presentation of business plan/next steps to the Judging Panel at the Grand Final which will take place on Wednesday the 28th March 2012, when the winner and runners-up will be selected and announced. (details of the Grand Final event to be announced later).
Completed application forms should be returned by post to: “Westmeath New Business Ideas Competition 2012”, C/o Community & Enterprise Section, Westmeath County Council, Co. Buildings, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and the closing date for entries is Friday 9th March 2012.
New Business Ideas Application Form
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Minister John Perry, T.D., Launches The “Westmeath New Business Ideas Competition 2012”
Minister John Perry, T.D. Minister of State with special responsibility for Small Business (Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation), officially launched the “Westmeath New Business Ideas Competition 2012” in the Atrium, County Buildings, Mullingar on Thursday 26th January 2012.
The competition is an initiative of Westmeath County Council, Westmeath County Enterprise Board and the Member Agencies of the Economic Development Sub-Committee of Westmeath County Development Board, in association with the other main sponsors: LIR Investors, Stephens Cooke & Associates and Handyweb, all supporting start-up business in Westmeath and proud to offer this business promotion opportunity.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Perry said that: “Jobs are a top priority for Government and local authorities play a central role in supporting economic development and enterprise at local level. This initiative is a prime example of the public and private sectors working in partnership for the betterment of society.”
The Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr. Mark Cooney said that “the aim of the competition is to create a real opportunity to find a new business with an innovative idea, that will create sustainable employment in Westmeath and that will encourage individuals with an entrepreneurial flair to consider self-employment as a real option”.
First Prize in the competition will be €12,000 worth of business supports – essentially the tools to start your own business from scratch and consisting of:
● An Enterprise Unit (circa 1,000 sq.ft) rent free for one year, to a value of €4,000 from Westmeath County Council.
● Start-Up Finance of €2,000 from Lir Investors.
● Accountancy and Advisory Services to the value of €2,000 from Stephens Cook & Associates, Mullingar.
● Website Design to the value of €2,000 from Handyweb, Mullingar and,
● Business Mentoring to the value of €2,000 from Westmeath County Enterprise Board
● Two runners-up will receive a Business Mentoring voucher to the value of €1,000 each from Westmeath County Enterprise Board.
Mr. Danny McLoughlin, County Manager said that “Westmeath County Council is delighted to associated with the initiative, which shows a collaborative approach by statutory and local agencies, acting locally to assist in employment creation in the county”
Cllr. Colm Arthur, Chairperson of the Economic Development Sub-Committee of Westmeath County Development Board indicated that “The competition applicants will benefit from the process by receiving feedback on their business idea from the expert judging panel and encouragement and motivation to develop their business, while also being in with the chance to win the top prize, worth €12,000 and get good publicity for their potential business”
Entrants to the competition will be required to complete the application form that is available to download at www.westmeathcoco.ie, and www.westcd.ie, or available in hardcopy from the Customer Services Desk, County Buildings Mullingar; from the offices of Westmeath County Enterprise Board, Church Avenue, Mullingar and from the offices of Westmeath Community Development Ltd, Mullingar Enterprise Technology and Innovation Centre, Clonmore, Mullingar.
The competition process will shortlist FIVE Finalists, who in their application must declare availability for follow-up interview and presentation of business plan/next steps to the Judging Panel at the Grand Final which will take place on Wednesday the 28th March 2012, when the winner and runners-up will be selected and announced. (details of the Grand Final event to be announced later).
Completed application forms should be returned by post to: “Westmeath New Business Ideas Competition 2012”, C/o Community & Enterprise Section, Westmeath County Council, Co. Buildings, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and the closing date for entries is Friday 9th March 2012.
New Business Ideas Application Form