Deadline looms for Seedcorn contest

Businesses hoping to share in a €280,000 cash investment in this year’s InterTradeIreland All-Island Seedcorn Business Competition have only one month left to enter.

Liam Nellis, chief executive of cross-border agency InterTradeIreland, said Northern Ireland businesses should apply.

Mr Nellis said: “Seedcorn is the largest business competition of its kind across the island and provides a real opportunity for businesses to receive a major cash boost at a time when many are finding access to funding difficult.

“It also gives successful applicants access to an extensive business and investment community that will help boost their profile and create potential investment opportunities.”

To take part, companies must submit a business plan. If shortlisted, a company will then be asked to give an investment pitch in front of a panel of venture capitalists, business angels and industry experts.

A spokesman for InterTradeIreland said the panel will be looking for “high growth projections, the optimum risk/reward profile, a strong management team and the ability to exit.”

Winners of best high growth company and best emerging company can win €100,000 and €50,000 respectively. There are also regional prizes of €20,000 and one best spinout prize of €10,000.

Former winner Sophia Search secured the largest business angel syndicate investment in Northern Ireland after its 2009 win and opened an office in Silicon Valley.

Information about the competition can be found at www.intertradeireland.com/seedcorn. You can also follow the competition on Twitter @ITI_Seedcorn or join the Seedcorn Network on LinkedIn.

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/business-news/deadline-looms-for-seedcorn-contest-16038439.html#ixzz1VSm7dmEr

 Source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk