The largest business competition on the island of Ireland, the InterTradeIreland All-Island Seedcorn Business Competition 2012, is now up and running and inviting entries.
The competition seeks to transform equity-seeking businesses into first-class investor-ready companies. In addition to the prize fund of €280,000, companies will have access to the Seedcorn Network – an extensive business community which will help boost the companies’ profiles. The competition offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to:
- Develop their business ideas
- Improve their business plans
- Make their concepts investor ready
- Gain exposure to venture capitalists and other equity providers
- Increase the profile of their businesses
A number of promotional workshops and business planning workshops will be held around Ireland to introduce the competition to businesses. Pre-registration for these events is compulsory. Full details of the venues and dates, and the competition terms and conditions and prize fund are available online.
Regular hints and tips for the competition will be issued via InterTradeIreland’s Twitter feed – @ITI_seedcorn. Closing date for this year’s competition is 1pm on Wednesday, 12 September 2012, with the regional finals taking place in late October and early November. The overall final will take place in Dublin on Wednesday, 28 November 2012.
Companies involved in the competition in previous years have provided positive feedback on the competition and the process. New private equity in excess of €145m has been raised by companies who have been regional finalists in previous years, many as a direct result of taking part in the competition.
