1. Purpose of Competition? The competition aims to promote enterprise by bringing business and community groups together, in each town, to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area. 2. Why is Bank of Ireland launching this competition? Bank of Ireland is the country’s largest lender and committed to helping customers achieve their business ambitions. Bank of Ireland recognises that SME’s, Start-Ups and Community Organisations working together are a core part of the country’s success. 3. Is this just a sales promotion for the bank? This is not a sales promotion for Bank of Ireland. This competition is the Bank’s way of recognising the efforts being made by businesses and local communities to promote and grow their towns and become economically sustainable. 4. What is the local council’s role in the competition? The competition is held in collaboration with local authorities. 5. How are the towns chosen for the competition? The Towns and City villages/Urban areas are generally put forward by the relevant local authority. There is an option to recommend your area via https://businessbanking.bankofireland.com/campaigns/enterprise-town-awards and anywhere nominated in this manner will be considered for entry. 6. How many entries are allowed from each county or city council area? There is no limit on the number of entries per county or city council area. 7. Why is the competition called Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards when City areas and villages can also participate? Every city has urban areas and urban villages that operate as a town in their own right and have distinct identities, local business and residential communities. The definition of a town for the purpose of these awards includes City Villages and Urban areas. 8. Who are the judges? The names of the judges and their bios will be made known to the towns organising committee prior to judging.
9. What is the format of the judging? Each town will be visited by the judging panel for a three hour session which it is recommended includes: - 30 minutes presentation by the town
- 30 minutes question and answer session
- 20 minutes to meet people socially
- 80 minutes to visit and view key initiatives selected by the organising committee
- 20 minutes concluding comments and wrap up
10. What if our town exceeds three hours? The maximum time for the visit is three hours and the judges will expect towns to adhere to this timeframe and schedule the visit accordingly. 11. What are the judging criteria? The judging criteria are outlined on the application form. 12. How does a town enter the competition? See no. 5 above. Once selected, the town to submit application form through https://businessbanking.bankofireland.com/campaigns/enterprise-town-awards 13. Where do I submit my application? Applications are submitted online through https://businessbanking.bankofireland.com/campaigns/enterprise-town-awards 14. There is no Bank of Ireland in my town? Can it enter? Yes. This competition is open to all towns and City villages/Urban areas in the Republic of Ireland irrespective of whether there is a Bank of Ireland branch. 15. Who should I talk to? Nearest Bank of Ireland Branch OR List of Bank of Ireland Head of Counties (contact details after these Q&A’s.) 16. What are the various categories? - Small <2,000
- Small/Medium 2,001-5,000
- Medium 5,001-12,000
- Large over 12, 000
- Cities urban villages/areas (confined to cities)
- Rising Star Overall town based
17. What are the prizes? | 
