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National Entrepreneurial Business Awards launched to recognise local businesses and support their future growth.

The inaugural National Entrepreneurial Business Awards (EBAs) has been launched to raise awareness of and acknowledge the many local businessmen and women throughout the country who have set-up or continued to trade, despite adverse economic conditions.

The EBAs

• The EBAs will consist of 26 regional finals, taking place in each county throughout the Republic of Ireland, making it the most comprehensive business awards ever to take place in Ireland.
• The regional winners of each category will receive prizes to help grow their businesses in addition to securing their place in the national final on 18 th May 2012.

There are 10 categories in total and an overall award for the entrepreneur of the year:

# 1. Services Award

# 2. Environment & Green Business Award

# 3. Manufacturing/ Distribution Award

# 3. Charity & Non-Profit Organisation Award

# 4. Retail/ Consumer Services Award

# 5. Technology and eBusiness Award

# 6. Emerging New Business Award

# 7. Hospitality, Food and Drink Award

# 8. Cottage Industry & Tourism Award

# 10. Transition Year or Leaving Certificate Applied Award

The Winner

The ultimate winner of the national competition will receive a prize to the value of €100,000, including a cash prize of €25,000, the prestigious EBA trophy, personal mentoring from top business professionals, web development, legal advice, office equipment and much more.

Entry

Applicants can submit their business to the awards under two categories for a charge of €50, with the exception of the Transition Year or Leaving Certificate Applied and Charity categories which are free to enter.

• For this all entrants will also receive membership to the EBA Alumni Business Network, a national body providing free networking, business workshops and seminars to local companies.
• These events assist local business people to expand their businesses through the development of their core skills, new partnerships and increased brand awareness.

Louise Higgins, Vice Chairperson of the Entrepreneurial Business Awards, comments; ‘These awards are all about recognising the wealth of innovation and business acumen that exists in Ireland. There are so many great companies spread throughout the country that, with a little help, have the potential to be international leaders. We’re extremely excited to launch this dynamic competition and are confident it will be a huge success.’

How to enter?

1) Enter Yourself: More information and details on how to enter your county’s Entrepreneurial Business Awards visit www.eba.ie .

Or

2) Nominate a local business: You can also nominate a small business owner that you admire.

Closing date for regional applications is 18th February 2012.

Can you help?

If you are a small business owner or you care about helping and celebrating the Irish small business community: please like the EBA Facebook page, follow the EBA on Twitter and share/tweet this post.