Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur Leitrim 2015

​What a day! I'm still in complete shock after being awarded 'Leitrim's Best Young Entrepreneur' winning €20,000 as part of Ireland's best Young Entrepreneur Competition! 

IBYE is a competition for young entrepreneurs aged between 18-30 years. Nicola McManus from Leitrim Local Entreprise informed me about the competition a few months ago. I was excited to enter but a little nervous all the same. 
Over the last couple of weeks, I attended bootcamps where I put together a business plan to pitch to three judges. The pitch was a 10 minute presentation with 10-15 minutes of questions from the judges afterwards. It was all completely new to me - A challenging, yet fun experience. ​

T​oday we were treated to a delicious meal in Lough Rynn Castle before the Awards Ceremony (You can see pictures throughout the day on my Snapchat - Username: JenniferWrynne).
There were three categories in the competition:

• Best Idea (not yet trading)
• Best Start Up (trading for 24 months or less)
• Best Established Business (trading for more than 24 months)

There was also an overall award for 'Leitrim's Best Young Entrepreneur'. I was incredibly lucky to win the two awards - 'Best Established Business' & 'Leitrim's Best Young Entrepreneur'. 

I​ain Keaney was awarded 'Best New Idea' and Edwina Guckian won 'Best Start Up' - Edwina is a super talented dancer and musician, you can check out her page here.

I cannot thank Nicola McManus, Joe Lowe and all the staff in Leitrim Local Entreprise enough. I am bursting with excitement for my new business ideas for 2016. This prize is a stepping stone to much greater things. I am sincerely grateful. ​

It was an amazing day, one I will never ever forget. 
Now to get ready for the regional finals later this month.. It looks like the work is only starting!
Thank you all very very much for your kind messages,
Jennifer x

​Outfit details:
Top: Miss Selfridge 
Skirt: A little shop in Melbourne, Austrailia (I saw similar versions in New Look) 
Clutch: L.K. Bennett 
Shoes: Kurt Geiger
Make-Up: Special thank you to Grainne Caldbeck in Enhance Beauticians who did an AMAZING job on my make up this morning. She is so talented, I cannot recommend her enough! (Tel: (071) 962 3254)
​Hair: Sandra Wrynne