Minister Launches Innovative Chamber Competition

Article Added: 2010/11/12

Clonmel Chamber has launched an innovative competition to aid a start up business. The National Enterprise Competition was launched by Minister of State for Trade & Commerce Billy Kelleher TD at the Chamber’s conference in Clonmel earlier today. 

 

Speaking at the launch Minister Kelleher said: ‘The competition I am launching today to get new start-ups to locate in Clonmel can play a vital role in supporting the creation of start up businesses in this area. It is also a prime example of how the Chamber constantly strives to be innovative and how businesses are working together to develop opportunities and create employment locally”.

 

Continuing Minister Kelleher said the Government was committed to nurturing Ireland’s entrepreneurial base by successfully harnessing the creativity and innovation of entrepreneurs. “Clonmel Chamber of Commerce has worked tirelessly over the years to create a positive business environment and to help translate Irish entrepreneurial ambition and potential into commercial reality’, he added. 

 

 

Speaking about the competition Tina Mulhearne President of Clonmel said “We in Clonmel Chamber are delighted to formally launch this Competition with Minister Kelleher, we believe that this competition is truly innovative in its approach. This is the local business community investing in its own locality to create jobs and new opportunities for all.”

 

This Enterprise Competition is different, it is community based and driven, it has been conceived and executed by Clonmel Chamber and its members, it is for the benefit of town and the business community and represents the very best of local business in action. It is real and tangible, it is fresh and innovative, it is good news and more importantly it is job creation in these difficult times.

 

This competition is a direct response to the needs of Clonmel, it creates activity, investment and jobs. It kick starts a new industry sector in the area creating hope for many. The members of Clonmel Chamber have responded with overwhelmingly offering substantial products and services to the winning company. “It is a real credit to the sponsoring companies that in these difficult times that they have embraced the very spirit of the competition with tangible products and services. This spirit of giving has it roots in times past, when neighbours and communities banded together to help themselves and others to gather the harvest, this was meithal and reflects the very best of who we Irish are” said the Chamber President.

 

The winner of the competition will receive a package valued at €45,000 for their first year of operation. The prize includes free office accommodation, free legal advice, free HR, free accounting, free power, free broadband, printing, banking and free Chamber membership and access to all its events. Mentors will also be available to the company to advise on a aspects of business from fund raising, to Governmental supports, to access to the Chambers members extended network.  

 

 

Tina Mulhearne went to say “We have limited the rules and the terms and conditions to particularly enable and encourage individuals and young companies to apply for this competition. This cannot be about job displacement but about new, bright and innovative ideas coming to fruition with all of the modern supports needed to help them succeed”

 

“Chambers of Commerce with both political and community leaders are in an ideal position to embrace this model to help their communities. This competition requires only leadership, common purpose and generosity from the business community. The results deliver jobs, investment and the bringing together of the community at large for the benefit of all.”

 

It is hoped that if this template was rolled out in communities and Chambers across the country that it has the potential to create some 300 jobs in 2011, while not a solution it is a start. Clonmel Chamber is ready to offer its support, advice and experience where required to facilitate the rollout of similar competitions.