Prize of €12k to go to holder of Westmeath's best business idea

A prize worth €12,000 is to go to the winner of the Westmeath New Business Ideas Competition 2012, launched last week at The Atrium of the County Buildings.The person, persons, firm or organisation that comes up with the best idea, will receive the use of an enterprise unit, courtesy of Westmeath County Council; start-up finance of €2,000 from Lir Investors; accountancy and advisory services to the value of €2,000 from Stephens Cook and Associates, Mullingar; website design valued at €2,000 from Handyweb, Mullingar; and business mentoring to the value of €2,000 from Westmeath County Enterprise Board.Other main sponsors are the LIR Investors, Stephens Cooke and Associates, and Handyweb, all supporting start-up business in Westmeath and proud to offer this business promotion opportunity.On hand to launch the competition was Minister John Perry, TD, minister of state with special responsibility for small business.He told the gathering that jobs are "a top priority for government", and that local authorities play a central role in supporting economic development and enterprise at local level."This initiative is a prime example of the public and private sectors working in partnership for the betterment of society," he said.The cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Mark Cooney, explained that the aim of the competition is to create a real opportunity to find a new business with an innovative idea, that will create sustainable employment in Westmeath, and "that will encourage individuals with an entrepreneurial flair to consider self-employment as a real option".Danny McLoughlin, county manager, said Westmeath County Council was delighted to be associated with the initiative, which shows a collaborative approach by statutory and local agencies, acting locally to assist in employment creation in the countyCllr Colm Arthur, chairman of the Economic Development Sub-Committee of Westmeath County Development Board, indicated that: "The competition applicants will benefit from the process by receiving feedback on their business ideas from the expert judging panel and encouragement and motivation to develop their business, while also being in with the chance to win the top prize, worth €12,000 and get good publicity for their potential business."Entrants to the competition will be required to complete the application form (download from westmeathcoco.ie, westmeath-enterprise.ie/News and westcd.ie) or available in hardcopy from the Customer Services Desk, County Buildings Mullingar; from Westmeath County Enterprise Board, Church Avenue, Mullingar and from Westmeath Community Development Ltd, Mullingar Enterprise Technology and Innovation Centre, Clonmore, Mullingar.The competition process will shortlist five finalists, who in their application have to declare availability for follow-up interview and presentation of business plan/next steps to the judging panel at the grand final, on Wednesday March 28, when the winner and runners-up will be selected and announced (details of the final event later).Completed application forms should be returned by post to: Westmeath New Business Ideas Competition 2012, C/o Community and Enterprise Section, Westmeath County Council, County Buildings, Mullingar; the closing date for entries is Friday March 9.