Industry & Business

The Bank of Ireland StartUp awards 2017 were officially launched to business nationwide recently. The competition, now in its sixth year, recognises and rewards Irish startups for their success in business across 11 categories including digital, food and drink, retail and technology. This year local accountancy firm TaxAssist will sponsor the awards and they are encouraging all local businesses to consider entering.

Open to companies and organisations across all sectors, companies can enter the awards on their own behalf or can be nominated by a friend or colleague. Entries are judged in their respective region, which includes Dublin, the rest of Leinster, Munster and Connacht/Ulster. Regional finalists are then shortlisted for the national final which takes place in Dublin in May.

Speaking about the awards, Clive Aherne from TaxAssist said: “We are delighted to be involved with the Bank of Ireland Startup Awards. I work with business owners across Cork and I know myself that starting a new business takes a huge amount of courage and hard work. The first few years can be really challenging. Winning an award like this is not only a great pat on the back it is also a massive opportunity to promote your business on a national and international stage.”

Stephen Dillion, Founder of Startups Ireland agrees. “Each year we receive feedback from entrants that the awards were instrumental in supporting their business by providing additional credibility, boosting morale and by opening new doors with the exposure received. With the Startup Awards we are proud to play our part in supporting entrepreneurship in Ireland.”

Entry into the awards is free and is open to sole traders, partnerships and companies that have been set up in Ireland that are in business for three years or less with up to 30 employees. The closing date for entries into the awards is March 27th and the regional finals will take place during April with the national gala final taking place in Dublin on Thursday, May 18th.