IT’S A tough business climate out there, with customers and funding almost equally hard to get. But there are companies that have adopted innovative approaches to stand out from the crowd.

A group of Kildare small business owners decided to focus on some of the unheralded good news stories in business and established an Entrepreneurial Business Awards programme. Originally rolled out just in Kildare, the awards are now going nationwide with a €100,000 prize fund.

Far from the glitz and glam of some higher-profile awards for which entry can require major commitments of time and resources, the instigators of these awards pride themselves on a straightforward entry process and a tight timeframe designed to facilitate busy business owners.

“What we’re looking for is innovation, commitment and a vision for the future,” says Kildare businessman John Kelly, one of the founders.

In addition to the awards themselves, nominees will get access to an “alumni network” for their €50 entry fee. The network proposes to run training, networking events and an annual trade show.

Nominations should be in by March 14th. A county shortlist across each of 10 categories will be drawn up within days and county winners selected to go forward to the national final by the end of March.

On May 18th, the overall winners will be named at a gala awards evening.

Interested companies can find out more at entrepreneurialawards.ie