Rural businesses and ideas invited to enter JFC awards

Rural businesses have been invited to enter an annual competition that offers a €40,000 financial boost if they are successful.

The popular JFC Innovation Awards for rural businesses is an opportunity for manufacturing firms to showcase their products.

The awards are now in their seventh year and regularly attract a significant entry from those who are anxious to develop a business idea.

Managing Director of JFC Manufacturing in Tuam said that the awards were designed to encourage people to establish a business or assist existing businesses.

The winners will take away €40,000 in prizes but everyone who enters will get the opportunity to receive free mentoring for their business. The new start up category remains a key focus.

“Those with just an idea should submit it. The aim is to help people turn their business idea into reality. As many previous entrants have found the awards is the perfect place to start”, Concannon said.

He added that the main aim of the awards was to create employment in the manufacturing sector.“Every business that enters will gain from the experience. Pitching an idea to the judges will give the entrants confidence and the feedback they receive will help them bring their business to the next phase”, Mr. Concannon commented.

He added: “We are determined this year to have at least two to three businesses from each county to make the competition a truly All-Ireland affair.

“Many farmers who entered in the last three years found that the competition was a real incentive to take their idea and business to another level. Each farmer who entered had the chance to get valuable feedback on their business plan”.