Donegal’s Local Enterprise Awards are a must on the calendar for all local businesses.
And here is everything you needed to know about the Donegal Enterprise Awards
(but were afraid to ask!)
What are the Donegal Local Enterprise Awards?
Supported by Donegal Local Enterprise Office, The Donegal Enterprise Awards are among the most prestigious awards a small business in the county can win.
When will the awards take place?
The Awards Ceremony will take place on 25 March 2017.
When is the last date I can make an application?
Entries are now open and will close at noon on March 10 2017. This deadline cannot be extended.
What are the award categories?
• Overall Winner
• Best Established Business
• Best Start Up Business (18 months or less)
• Innovation Award
How many categories can I enter?
You can enter one of the three categories with the overall winner selected from all entries.
Is there a cost to enter?
No, entry is free.
What can I win?
There is a total prize fund of €7,000, with the overall winner set to claim €2,500 and each of the category winners winning €1,500.
What makes a company eligible to enter the awards?
The Donegal Enterprise Awards competition is open to all business sectors in Donegal that employ less than 50 full-time staff, with the exception of previous county winners who are not eligible to enter.
Do I need to be a client of the Local Enterprise Office to enter?
No, a business does not need to have had any previous contact with the Local Enterprise Office to enter the awards.
How do I enter the Awards?
Entry is through the dedicated online entry forms available on the Local Enterprise Office website – https://www.localenterprise.ie/Donegal/Training-Events/Donegal-Business-Awards-2017/
What help is available when entering the awards?
A free workshop to help you prepare the necessary required information will be held on February 27th 2017
How can I book to take part in the workshop?
For information or to book a place on the workshop send an e.mail to Ursula Donnelly – Ursula.Donnelly@Leo.donegalcoco.ie
What happens when I submit my entry?
Provisionally mark out 20 March on your calendar as this is when the judging will take place should you be shortlisted. All finalists will be invited to meet a judging panel for interview on that date. (Please note this date cannot be changed.)
When does the award judging take place?
All entries will be scrutinised and afterwards, short-listed businesses will be asked to present to the judging panel on March 20.
Who will be on the judging panel?
The Awards are judged by panels made up of independent business experts.
When will the winners be announced?
All finalists will be notified to prepare for the judging on March 20 and the winners will be announced on Saturday 25 March.
Please note: The decisions of the judges will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
When and where is the Awards ceremony?
The Donegal Local Enterprise Awards will take place on 25 March 2017 at The Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny.
What can I expect on the night?
It’ll be a night of drama and excitement. There will be fantastic opportunities to network with the best businesses in the county. And there’ll be great food and entertainment. In short – it’ll be a great night out.
How do I book a table at the Awards?
Tickets and tables will be available to book as soon as the finalists are announced.
What is the dress code for the evening?
Black tie.
Who’s behind the awards and who should I contact with any questions?
The Awards are the 21st annual awards hosted by Donegal Local Enterprise Office and if you have queries about the contest or want to enquire about business training or supports, please visit the website – www.localenterprise.ie/donegal
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