€30,000 in prize money for Mayo emerging business pitch competition

The Mayo Business Awards is thrilled to announce a special competition to celebrate 10 years of the Mayo Business Awards.

The Mayo Emerging Business Pitch Competition is a special initiative for 2025, designed to spotlight and support innovative businesses that are tackling real-world challenges.

The competition is open to business ventures across all sectors and seeks to identify and empower businesses with the potential to make a demonstrable impact, whether social, environmental, economic, or technological.

This special competition has an incredible €30,000 in prize money which is likely to be split between the two or three businesses which, in the judges’ opinion, offer the greatest potential.

It is intended that the prize would support the development or expansion of the business and must be used in a way that directly contributes to the business’ impact and growth.

Applications are invited from startups and early-stage businesses that could significantly benefit from financial support at the early stages of their business journey.

While all business types are eligible, the Mayo Business Awards are particularly interested in those that are: demonstrating innovation in product, service, or delivery; addressing a pressing societal or environmental challenge; and that have a clear plan for sustainable growth and measurable impact.

Depending on the number of entries, it is intended that approximately seven entrants will be shortlisted and invited to make a pitch to a judging panel.

These businesses will be invited to present a compelling pitch that includes a clear description of the business or initiative; the challenge it addresses and the impact it aims to achieve; a breakdown of how any prize money would be used to accelerate or scale the business.

The judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate innovation and originality, market potential, team capability and the impact of the product or service.

Those wishing to apply can find out details on how to enter by visiting here.

The closing date for entries is Friday, September 26.

John Magee, Mayo County Council said: “This special competition is incredibly exciting. Aside from the hugely valuable prize fund, the competition is also a chance for new businesses to practice the essential arts of communicating their business’ value and having their plans challenged by experts in the business world.

All participating businesses will benefit from this process, especially those who are invited to pitch, and the generous prize fund represents an unique opportunity to support the growth of an early-stage business."

The Mayo Business Awards are an annual celebration of the very best in Mayo business and innovation.

Now in its 10th year, the awards are spread across several business categories and will be announced at a gala event in The McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, on Friday, November 7.