Deadline looming for aspiring entrepreneurs

THE closing date for entries to the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards is fast approaching and companies across Clare are encouraged to get their entries in by the March 30 deadline.
Entries for the competition can be made in any one of three categories – emerging, industry and international. A nominee must be an owner-manager who is primarily responsible for the recent performance of a company that is at least two years old.
Founders of public companies are eligible, provided the founder is still active in management and anyone can nominate an entrepreneur, including the entrepreneur himself or herself, employees or company advisors.
A panel of judges, chaired by Aer Arann  chairman, Padraig O’Ceidigh and an award recipient in 2002, will select the shortlist, to be announced in May.
At the launch of the 2012 programme, the organisers said Ireland must remain optimistic but realistic in terms of its economic future. Frank O’Keeffe, partner-in-charge of the Entrepreneur of the Year Programme said, “Ireland is trying hard to show the first real shoots of recovery. Fuelled by an unparalleled level of dedication and commitment, it is our entrepreneurs who are the true trailblazers and champions who will reignite our economy.”
In October 2012, all finalists, their guests and other luminaries will attend a celebratory banquet, which will see the naming of the three individual category winners and the overall recipient of the 2012 Entrepreneur Of The Year accolade.
The overall winner goes forward to represent Ireland at the World Entrepreneur of the Year finals in 2013.
Entry forms for the competition are available on www.eoy.tv or by contacting Ernst & Young on 01 2212250.