Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together Awards, now in their 5th year and previously titled the National Enterprise Town Awards, recognise the spirit of enterprise and resilience in towns and cities across the Island of Ireland. The Covid-19 pandemic has emerged as the biggest challenge to Ireland’s financial, physical and mental wellbeing in living memory. In this hugely challenging year, the Bank of Ireland Begin Together Awards will recognise those businesses and communities who came together to support local recovery and rebuilding in response to Covid-19.
The Begin Together Awards recognise the towns and urban places demonstrating exceptional leadership during these challenging times. Preparing for the awards will give them the opportunity to reflect on their past achievements and to plan to return to their former glory.
There are over 21 financial recognition awards available from a total prize fund of €210,000/ or sterling equivalent with the overall winning town/city village/urban area awarded €50,000/or sterling equivalent and the title of Ireland’s ‘most enterprising town’, which was won by Kilkenny last year.
There is also a ‘rising star’ category focusing on towns that have overcome major challenges and can demonstrate how they have achieved this. Last year, the town of Castlebar took home the trophy and €20,000.
2020 also sees the introduction of ‘special initiative’ awards – a local town promotion initiative, a local community enterprise initiative and a local business and community response initiative – reflecting the challenge that communities and businesses currently face from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Entries for the awards will remain open until 24 August 2020. This year’s awards timeline and judging process has been amended in response to Covid-19 and government guidelines; therefore it is important that your submission reflects the full extent of the work underway in your locality. Winners of the awards will be announced at the end of September.
