Cork initiative in line for top award

A Cork-based initiative tasked with championing entrepreneurship in the county has been nominated for a prestigious European award.

Cork Innovates, which supports entrepreneurs and start-ups, is Ireland’s sole nominee at the European Enterprise Promotion Awards.

The success of the initiative has helped foster an entrepreneurial spirit in the area, according to chief executive Siobhán Finn.

“Clearly, the model has made a significant impact in promoting an entrepreneurial spirit in the community,” she said.

“We, as a group, are firmly committed to building on the entrepreneurial environment through mutual engagement and alignments with external stakeholder groups, supporting entrepreneurs and the extended business community.”

The initiative was established in 2012 as part of the Cork Entrepreneurship Steering Group which encompasses numerous stakeholders in the county, including third-level institutions, Cork Chamber, and Enterprise Ireland.

The number of start-ups in Cork has almost doubled, from 800 in 2012 to 1,542 in 2013.

Cork Innovate’s InBusiness InCork showcases are specifically targeted to SMEs, start-ups, and entrepreneurs, and have attracted and supported more than 2,800 business people and potential start-ups since the initial showcase in 2012.

Commenting on the announcement, Enterprise Ireland head of micro enterprise and small business division, Tom Hayes, commended Cork Innovates on thriving in a difficult business environment.