Has your town got what it takes? The search begins for Irelands Most Enterprising Town

Minister Heather Humphreys TD and Bank of Ireland launch nationwide search to find the most enterprising town in Ireland.

On May 22nd 2017: The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, was on hand to launch Bank of Ireland’s national competition to find the country’s most enterprising town.

Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprising Town Awards aims to assist in the promotion of enterprise across the country by bringing business and community groups together to showcase to a panel of judges the spirit of enterprise in their local area.

With a total prize fund of €110,000, over 30 cash awards are up for grabs with the overall winning town and city village/area being awarded €23,000, a trophy, and the significant title of Ireland’s Most Enterprising Town.

Following the success of the pilot Enterprising Town Competition in 2016, in counties Kildare, Laois, Mayo and Roscommon, the National Enterprising Town Competition is being organised with the support of local authorities throughout Ireland who will assist in the nomination of towns and city villages/areas on behalf of their own city/county.

Entries are being accepted throughout May and June with nominated towns and city villages/areas announced in July. The judging panel will then visit all nominated places throughout the month of September before announcing the winners at an awards ceremony in November.

At the launch of Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprising Town Competition, Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD said; “I’m delighted to see Bank of Ireland tapping into the huge level of community spirit which exists in towns across the country. Local business owners and community groups want to see their town doing well, and there is nothing like a bit of healthy competition to motivate people to put their best foot forward. These awards will help to recognise and reward towns and villages that are demonstrating their enterprising nature through a range of initiatives such as leadership, community support, partnerships and the appearance of the area. This initiative is complementary to the work I am carrying through the Action Plan for Rural Development and in particular the new €20 million Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which will focus on improving the economic development of our rural towns and villages.”

David Merriman, Head of Enterprise Development at Bank of Ireland said; “As Ireland’s Enterprise Bank, we recognise that SMEs, start-ups and community organisations are a significant driver of the overall prosperity of the city or county. We want to recognise and reward those towns where small businesses and community groups are working together with their local council and state agencies to contribute to the overall enterprising nature of the town or village.”

To enter please go to www.bankofireland.com/awards before the 22nd of June 2017.