CORK, Monday 15th October 12 2007: The search for Cork’s top business woman got underway today, with the launch of the “Cork Enterprising Business Woman of the Year Award”. Created by the Cork City and South Cork Enterprise Boards, in conjunction with Network Ireland (Cork Branch), this unique award will be the first in Cork to recognise emerging and promising female innovators and entrepreneurs with products and / or services that have excellent market appeal. Unlike other awards, this award will focus on the spirit of enterprise and is open to both entrepreneurs and women in industry.
The competition, a key part of the Enterprise Boards’ drive to increase entrepreneurship in Cork, focuses on areas of enterprise excellence: those women that have provided a clear vision for their business, created jobs and outsourced activities, supported business colleagues and, essentially, made a real difference to local businesses and local people. Applicants will be judged on the originality of their business, their success, innovation and creativity within the business and sheer bravery and determination. Focusing on five key areas the awards panel will look at:
o Creativity & Innovation
o Networking Achievements
o Challenges Overcome
o Financial Management
o Business Strength & Potential for the Future
Speaking at the award launch Adrienne Rodgers, Assistant CEO Cork City Enterprise Board, stated “Innovation in enterprise is increasingly crucial to our economy. We hope the “Cork Enterprising Business Woman of the Year Award” will play a catalytic role in helping to recognise the more innovative and aspiring entrepreneurs and business women in Cork, which in turn can give them the confidence to venture into a wider market arena. This will help encourage and nurture a more entrepreneurial mindset in Cork."
The winner of the “Cork Enterprising Business Woman of the Year Award” will receive €1,000 together with CEB Training & Mentoring Business Support worth €1,000. The deadline for entries is 5pm Friday 16th November 2007 and entries will be judged by a panel of leading business women.
Speaking on Network Ireland (Cork Branch) involvement in the Award, Marion Ormond, Outgoing President, said “It is a pleasure to recognise and reward the great contribution Cork business women make. Network Ireland has a growing membership base of business women, each an inspiration to us all. I welcome this initiative with the Cork City and South Cork Enterprise Boards and I believe the award will showcase examples of where Cork business women have shown great vision and initiative in their business, coupled with overcoming challenges".
The “Cork Enterprising Business Woman of the Year Award” is open to members of the CEB Women in Business Network and Network Ireland (Cork Branch). The winner will be announced at the December Cork Women in Business Network Meeting, to be held on Wednesday 5th December 2007 in the Maryborough House Hotel, Cork. Application forms can be obtained from the relevant organisations (Cork City Enterprise Board 021 4961828, South Cork Enterprise Board 021 4975281, Network Ireland (Cork Branch) 021 4310266).
Encouraging business women to enter Liz Murphy, South Cork Enterprise Board, commented “I would encourage all Cork business women to look at applying for this award. We have a great number of entrepreneurs in Cork and would like to recognise their great work. This is a wonderful opportunity for an individual to grow their business and avail of expert mentoring advice”.
