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The search is on for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur. Photo: 123RF

The search is on for Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur and Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock said that this sends a strong message that the Government are treating the work being done by young entrepreneurs as a high priority.

"We are making good progress in reducing unemployment and assisting business. 61,000 jobs have been created in the past 12 months and we must maintain that momentum. The Local Enterprise Offices (LEO's) will be the front window for all Government supports for jobs throughout Cork. As part of this, the Government is making €2million available nationally so that LEO's around the country can find Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur," the Minister explained.

The competition opened on May 16 and will be open to all categories and sectors of business for those up to 30 years old. Up to 15 entrepreneurs will be initially chosen from each county and given access to a tailored mentoring/boot camp programme to help them to develop their business idea.

There will be three award categories per county with awards for the best entrepreneurial idea, the best start-up business and the best entrepreneurial add-on to an existing business.

"The top three, including a winner, will be selected by a panel for financial supports," Minister Sherlock said, adding that appropriate other supports would be made available to the applicants who do not proceed beyond the boot camp phase.

The three county winners will go onto the eight regional finals and the winners from the regional heats will go onto the national final.

"Our ambition is for Ireland to be among the most entrepreneurial nations in the world and acknowledged as a world class environment, in which to start and grow a business and there is no reason that Cork cannot be the beacon for the rest of the country to follow," the Minister told The Avondhu.

The competition has been developed by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and it is open to anyone aged between 18 and 30 with an outstanding idea or commercial venture for a start up or existing business.

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