Bizstartup.ie - NewsNational Enterprise Awards get underway

Previous winners have included Simtech Aviation from Fingal in Co Dublin, Crannagh & Co International Trade and Business Services, from Belturbet in Co Cavan; Irish Yoghurts from West Cork, Castle Leslie from Monaghan, Hot Irishman Irish Coffee from Carlow and Grouse Lodge Recording Studios from Westmeath.

“Over 90pc of all businesses in the country are micro-enterprises with many ‘small business heroes’ setting up new businesses or navigating existing businesses through the economic storm. The National Enterprise Awards are designed to highlight innovation success, job creation, new export markets and local economic development, by putting the achievements of small businesses into the national spotlight,” said Christine Charlton from the County and City Enterprise Boards.

CEBs' role in supporting entrepreneurship

Speaking at today’s launch, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’ Keeffe TD (pictured) said: “County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) play a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurship and driving growth and productivity in the micro-enterprise sector.   Total net jobs created in CEB-supported firms between 1993 and 2009 was 30,726.  As Minister, my focus is on optimising the return we get from public investment in CEBs so that they can continue to support and create jobs in a modern and fit-for-purpose model.”

Eight finalists will be shortlisted in October and there will be an awards ceremony on 11 November.

Further information about the National Enterprise Awards, in addition to information around the supports available to small businesses locally, is available here.