Applications still welcome for Council's £10K Business Start up Programme

by Gráinne Connolly

Following on from the success of last year's inaugural £10K Business Start Up Challenge, Derry City and Strabane District Council is once again looking to reward and acknowledge local enterprises who demonstrate creativity and innovation. 

Louise Breslin, Business Development Manager with the council was speaking at the launch of the challenge last month and says it's a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to share their ideas and be in with a chance of winning up to £10,000. 

"Anyone who has started a business in the past year or who has completed the Go for It programme are encouraged to take part.

"The Council, through our Business Development team, are very focused on developing business and encouraging our local entrepreneurs and we believe that the £10k Challenge is a great way to encourage them to demonstrate their entrepreneurship and creativity and be in with a chance of securing one of the three cash prizes.

"We also hope to inspire everyone who takes part and create some value to them going forward with their plans.

‘We are committed to developing and expanding our existing business base and entrepreneurial activity is a critical driver of economic prosperity.

"The Challenge is testament to commitment set out in the Council’s Strategic Growth Plan to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.

"We are very lucky that Derry and Strabane is home to so many talented entrepreneurs and innovators.

"We as a Council want to encourage new thinking that will benefit the local economy and support entrepreneurs and organisations that have strong potential and smart new ideas.”
 

The closing date for entries is Monday 12th February 2018 at 12pm.

Seven cash prizes will be awarded to help entrepreneurs progress their business idea: a £2,500 1st prize, £2,000– 2nd prize and £1,500 – 3rd prize and 4x £1k prizes.

The application process will comprise of a completed application form accompanied by a business plan and these will be reviewed by a panel of four judges who will shortlist six businesses to pitch their business idea at a winners’ announcement event which will be held as part of Enterprise week on Thursday 8th March 2018.

Applications are open from insert date and can be accessed via the link below: 

http://www.derrystrabane.com/10Kchallenge