“I am thrilled that Cork innovates will represent Ireland, as a finalist in the award category ‘promoting the entrepreneurial spirit’ and that it is getting such Prominent European recognition,” said Siobhan Finn, Chief Executive, Cork innovates.

“Clearly, the model has made a significant impact in promoting an entrepreneurial spirit in the community. We, as a group, are firmly committed to building on the entrepreneurial environment through mutual engagement and alignments with external stakeholder groups, supporting entrepreneurs and the extended business community,” she added.

Cork innovates was established in 2012 when Cork City Council and Cork County Council, along with Cork Chamber, UCC, CIT, the Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland, CorkBIC and South West Regional Authority formed the Cork Entrepreneurship Steering Group.

Mr. Tom Hayes the head of the Micro Enterprise and Small Business Division, Enterprise Ireland commented on the nomination: “Congratulations to Cork Innovates for being nominated to the European Enterprise Promotion Awards on behalf of Ireland. This project is a shining example of excellence in promoting SMEs and entrepreneurship in a tough economic climate here in Ireland. We are delighted that this project has been submitted to the European competition to represent Ireland.”

The EEPA reward excellence in promoting entrepreneurship and small business at a national, regional and local level and look to identify and recognise successful activities and initiatives undertaken to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship, showcase and share examples of best entrepreneurship policies and practices, create a greater awareness of the role entrepreneurs play in European society and encourage and inspire potential entrepreneurs.

The number of startups in Cork has almost doubled from 800 in 2012 to 1542 in 2013. The Cork innovates InBusiness InCork showcase is specifically targeted to SMEs and startups and entrepreneurs and has attracted and supported more than 2,800 business people and potential startups since the initial showcase in 2012. The Cork innovates bursaries are also actively helping two Cork businesses grow and expand their companies, with a view to creating more jobs. 

European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: "Highlighting the success stories of entrepreneurship promotion helps inspire European public bodies and public private partnerships to be more business-focused and business-friendly. We look forward to seeing what exciting and innovative projects are put forward by 2014 entries to the European Enterprise Promotion Awards."

Category winner will be announced at the 2014 SME Assembly in Naples, Italy, in October. For further information visit http://ec.europa.eu/.