Clon’trepreneur seeking ideas worthy of ‘warhorses’
Tonight sees the launch of the unusual competition which is expected to bring a string of wannabe entrepreneurs and their business ideas before a panel of four West Cork warhorses — experienced businesspeople who have been successful either here or abroad.
The competition, organised by the Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce, is aimed at encouraging and attracting forward-thinking innovators with ideas that will stimulate business and create jobs.
The final will take place on May 24 with broadcaster and rugby pundit George Hook as MC, along with four formidable West Cork warhorses or adjudicators; Colette Twomey of Clonakilty Black Pudding, Eugene Scally of Scally’s SuperValu, Diarmuid O’Sullivan of Irish Yoghurts and Bill Liao, founder of the German-based social network Xing.
Mick Hanley of the chamber of commerce said: “This is for anybody who has an idea with substance — a business plan which has the potential to create jobs and bring revenue to Clonakilty.
“It’s wide open and it could be anything from food to agri-tourism or IT.
“Clon’trepreneur is for anybody who has an idea and needs support to get it off the group and up and running.”
The chamber has amassed a substantial prize package; a €10,000 cash prize as well as €5,000 in professional supports including web support and mentoring from legal and accounting experts as well as from the West Cork Enterprise Board.
“We decided to refer to our panel of judges as warhorses — these are people who have been through the mill, fought the battles, been successful and come out the other end,” said Mr Hanley.
The event is being launched tonight by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.
It is expected to attract considerable interest from the best of West Cork business and industry.
Further details are available at www.clonakilty.ie.
Completed application forms must reach the Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce no later than May 11.
Tickets for the main event on May 24 are €10 each and can be booked by emailing Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce at chamber@clonakilty.ie, or by phoning the chamber’s office at 023 8858910.
