11 September 2017
Once again, Antrim Enterprise Agency is running its Business Idea Competition giving entrepreneurs across Antrim and Newtownabbey the chance to showcase their ideas to win cash and business support to the value of £10,000.
The competition finale will take place in the Old Courthouse on 14th November with prize money provided by Antrim Enterprise Agency and Bank of Ireland UK.
Manager Jennifer McWilliams explains further: “Antrim Enterprise Agency is about encouraging, guiding, motivating and inspiring individuals into self-employment and this competition is the ideal avenue to help stimulate entrepreneurship within the borough.
This year, we are reaching out to individuals who have new business ideas which stand out from the competition; offering an element of innovation in the product or service and how they will reach their customer base. Entrants do not have to have a firm business plan in place but should have validated their idea with market research.”
The deadline for the competition is the 20th October and once again a panel of business experts will shortlist and be at the finale on the 14th November to quiz the finalists.
There are three prizes up for grabs; 1st place is £1,500 sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK with 2nd £1,000 and 3rd place £750 funded by Antrim Enterprise Agency. In addition, one year business support is being provided to each of the winners to the total value of £6,750 from the enterprise agency.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill who helped launch the competition warmly welcomes the initiative: “The now annual Business Idea Competition is an exciting opportunity for local entrepreneurs to implement new ideas and create dynamic products or services. Antrim and Newtownabbey needs more innovative business ideas and this initiative is an excellent opportunity to motivate individuals to take the plunge and start their business.
The Council are equally delighted to host the competition this year in the Old Courthouse and we look forward to seeing all the finalists.”
Angela Callan, Branch Manager, Bank of Ireland UK, Glengormley commented:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Antrim Enterprise Agency in this competition. As a leading business bank we are committed to our role that goes far beyond providing funding. We invest significantly in the right programmes, networks and partnerships that will help to build confidence and support entrepreneurs in achieving their ambitions.”
Full terms and conditions are available from Jennifer McWilliams, Antrim Enterprise Agency on 028 9446 7774 or emailing jennifer@antrimenterprise.com