‘Bigger vision’ on the line as bursary for entrepreneurs boosted to €30k

One entrepreneur is to receive a €30,000 boost to their business following the announcement by Cork Innovates that it is to increase the bursary it awards to the successful applicant this year.

The bursary will offers a wide range of services, from advertising, financial advice, and mentoring to legal services and membership support.

Siobhan Finn, Cork Innovates coordinator, said it received an “overwhelming response” in 2012 from start-ups and businesses in Cork.

“In order to provide a greater window of opportunity, this year the bursary will be open for applications until Oct 18,” said Ms Finn. “The short-listed applicants will then get a chance to pitch their idea to the judges and mentors at the InBusiness InCork event on Nov 14.”

Last year’s bursary winner, James Duggan of Funmanway Adventureland, saw off intense competition to take the award.

“Winning the bursary was the single biggest step my business made going forward since the launch,” said Mr Duggan.

“It opened new doors and opportunities for me that previously I had thought would not happen for years. The training and support we received has been fantastic and now I have the propensity to dream a much bigger vision for my business.”

The steering group of Cork Innovates comprises representatives from Cork City Council and Cork County Council, the four Enterprise Boards in the region, Enterprise Ireland, UCC, CIT, Cork Chamber, Cork BIC, and the South West Regional Authority as well as a number of entrepreneurs in the region.

*Entrepreneurs can register to attend InBusiness InCork at inbusinessincorkshowcase.eventbrite.ie[/url]