Now in its 7th year, the National Startups Awards is the most prestigious and sought after awards program for early stage businesses on the island of Ireland.

The awards support, recognise and applaud businesses on every stage of the entrepreneurial journey from inspiration and learning all the way through to startup., scale up and becoming champions. 

The 2018 prize fund includes a €15,000 cash prize fund.

The overall Grand Prix winner will receive €10,000 and the winner of the Early Stage award will win €5,000.

10 Reasons to enter

1. €15,000 cash prize fund.
2. Invaluable coverage for your business
3. Progression to the European Startup Awards
4. Impress potential investors
5. Gain prestige and recognition from peers
6. Network with fellow entrepreneurs
7. Raise your National & International profile
8. Boost existing client comfort and loyalty
9. Demonstrate workplace attractiveness to potential employees
10. Increase your business growth

How does it work?

You enter in one of four geographical regions

1. Dublin
2. Rest of Leinster
3. Munster
4. Connaught  / Ulster

• Your organisation must be five years old or less on March 22nd 2018 [from date of incorporation].
• Simply select the categories you wish to enter (you can enter up to three per company) and fill in the short application form.
• Our regional judging panels will review all the submissions and select a regional shortlist for each category.
• These regional shortlists will be merged and judged again to produce the National Shortlist.
• National Shortlisted entrants will be invited to pitch their businesses live to our national judging panel in Dublin in early May 2018
• The winners will be announced at the Startup Awards Ceremony on May 17th in The Round Room at The Mansion House, Dublin.

Category winners will:

• Receive a Startup Awards Winners Trophy
• Go forward to compete and represent Ireland in the Startup Europe Awards
• 6 months free online accounting software with Big Red Cloud

The Grand Prix Winners will:

• Receive a Startup Awards Winners Trophy
• 3 years free online accounting software with Big Red Cloud
• Go forward to compete and represent Ireland in the Startup Europe Awards
• A creative advertising and design package from Bank of Ireland*
• A cash prize of €10,000

For more info visit http://startupawards.ie/about/