Birr workshop for start-up businesses

Shannon Development is delighted to partner with InterTradeIreland to promote the InterTradeIreland All Ireland Seedcorn Business Competition 2010. Shannon Development is hosting an information workshop where InterTradeIreland's equity advisors will talk about the benefits of entering the business plan competition which has a prize fund of €280,000. This insightful workshop for startup and expanding businesses will take place in Birr Technology Centre, on Tuesday, June 22, next at 6pm. Start-up companies across the island are being offered the opportunity to learn more about how to cash in on a €280,000 prize fund in the InterTradeIreland All-island Seedcorn Business Competition 2010. Local entrepreneurs could get a huge cash boost for their business, thanks to a prize fund of €280,000 being offered by InterTradeIreland's All-Island Seedcorn Business Competition 2010. Denis Duggan, Shannon Development's Manager in Birr Technology Centre said: "The current business environment is very difficult for startup companies. Shannon Development is delighted to work with InterTradeIreland's equity advisers to promote the All Ireland Seedcorn Business Competition 2010 at the upcoming workshop in Birr Technology Centre. The Equity Advisors will talk about the benefits of entering the competition and how to prepare a business plan to attract potential investors during a series of free workshops. This is a great opportunity for business in the Tipperary and Offaly areas to find out more about the Seedcorn competition and equity investment." The competition is the largest on the island in terms of the prize fund available and in the past has helped give fledgling firms such as Tipperary based company, HKPB Scientific a 'lift-off'. HKPB Scientific, based in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, was a regional winner in 2008 and took home a €20,000 share of the competition prize fund. Since winning the award, the company has gone from strength to strength in its research and development in the chemical, physical and biological sciences. HKBP recently announced its intention to employ 200 people over five years in Nenagh. As well as offering fantastic cash incentives Seedcorn provides invaluable support and advice from some of the island's top investment experts and the competition mimics a real venture capital investment process. InterTradeIreland Board member, Sean Gallagher who is also a well-known 'Dragon' from RTE's hit TV show 'the Dragon's Den' said: "The economic environment has never been tougher for young companies. InterTradeIreland's Seedcorn Competition can help businesses get off the ground with a cash incentive as well as invaluable advice and support from leading investors across the island. They can use the competition to help develop their business ideas, improve their business plan and learn how to present concepts to panels of investors. I would urge companies to enter Seedcorn and give their business a boost - aside from the prize fund on offer, the competition provides a unique opportunity for firms to raise their profile, make invaluable industry contacts and ultimately attract further investment." To register for the competition and for further information, visit: www.intertradeireland.com/seedcorn Business plans must be submitted by 1pm on Friday, September 17.