Westmeath Community Development

The Countyl Enterprise Board in Westmeath has begun its annual search for 'small business heroes' in the lead-up to the National Enterprise Awards.

The award scheme for micro-enterprises, which culminates with an awards ceremony in November, is organised by the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards to recognise the outstanding achievements and enterprise heroics of small businesses in Ireland.

A shortlist of eight finalists will be officially unveiled in October and last year, Robotic Drive Services from Mullingar in County Westmeath represented the county in the competition.

Speaking at the local launch of the National Enterprise Awards, Ms Christine Charlton, CEO, Westmeath County Enterprise Board said: "Over 90% of all businesses in the country are micro-enterprises with many 'small business heroes' setting up new businesses or navigating existing businesses through the economic storm.The National Enterprise Awards are designed to highlight the achievements of small businesses, such as innovation success, job creation, new export markets and local economic development, by putting them into the national spotlight."

Further information is available at www.westmeath-enterprise.ie.