Endeavour prize attracts huge entry

A PROGRAMME offering budding entrepreneurs the chance to bring their concept to life has received an overwhelming response, according to organisers.

The Endeavour Programme for entrepreneurs yesterday announced a shortlist of 66 candidates, more than double the expected figure for this stage.

Launched last month by the Institute of Technology, Tralee, and Shannon Development’s Kerry Technology Park, the programme received a phenomenal 500 expressions of interest from applicants throughout Ireland and Britain.

Endeavour will offer 10 applicants the launch pad to bring their business concept to life as part of an intensive seven-month fast-track programme, culminating in an international funding showcase next April.

Shortlisted candidates have emerged from a range of industry sectors including energy, telecommunications, and web-based businesses.

Jerry Kennelly, Stockbyte founder and co-creator of Endeavour, said the level of interest had been beyond expectations. “The response to this programme has been phenomenal and beyond expectations. We set out to attract business people with globally scalable business ideas and we have not been disappointed.”

Each of the shortlisted applicants will go through a validation workshop on October 5 to allow them to fine tune their concepts.

This will be followed by business case presentations on October 15-16, when entrants will be required to submit a more detailed business plan.

Based on the outcome of the judging process, 10 successful applicants will be announced on October 19.

Successful participants will be personally mentored by household names Choice Hotels chairman Frankie Whelehan, chief executive of Daft, Eamonn Fallon, and founder of Worldspreads Group Conor Foley.