InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Competition

News article

This competition is for start-ups and early stage businesses who will have a chance to win a share of a €300,000 cash prize fund

InterTradeIreland’s Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition, for start-ups and early-stage businesses, mirrors the real-life investment process.

Participants, who are in with a chance to win a share of a €300,000 cash prize fund, are able to secure expert feedback on their business plans and pitches, improve their investor readiness and gain exposure to investors, and boost their profile.

Prizes

There are ten cash prizes and entrepreneurs compete against each other regionally before competing for the all-island Best New Start and Best Early Stage Company titles.

Every business idea/plan submitted is reviewed by investment experts and you are given individual feedback on request.

Shortlisted companies also get a unique opportunity to pitch to investors and business leaders.

Eligibility

  • The competition is aimed at independent ventures incorporated on the island of Ireland (Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland) in the seed, start-up or early stages of business development and ideally targeting international markets.
  • The competition is for individuals or venture teams, who have created, manage and own such ventures.
  • The promoters/founder entrepreneurs are to have played a major role in conceiving the venture, continuing to have key management roles and to own significant equity.
  • Ventures which have already raised external equity in excess of €1m (or sterling equivalent) are not eligible.

Information Sessions

InterTradeIreland is holding a series of online information sessions which will provide an overview of the competition, details of the key benefits, hints and tips, and ways to improve your application.

The sessions take place from 10am to 11:30am on each of the following dates:

  • Friday 8 March 2024
  • Friday 29 March 2024
  • Friday 5 April 2024
  • Friday 12 April 2024
  • Friday 19 April 2024

Book an information session.

The competition closes at 1pm on Friday 26 April 2024.

Find out more and apply for the Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition.

First published 5 March 2024

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