Young Co Kildare woman could be Ireland's next Best Entrepreneur

A Co Kildare woman in line to become Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur could be benefiting from a €100,000 prize fund.

Jenny Reynolds (33) of Topper Technology travelled to meet the Taoiseach at Government Buildings in Dublin, representing Local Enterprise Office Kildare.

A record 1,842 young entrepreneurs, aged between 18 and 35, have taken part in this year’s IBYE. The competition has progressed through county and regional stages where 24 young entrepreneurs have now emerged as national IBYE finalists and will compete for the prestigious title of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur. The IBYE Final takes place at Google’s European Headquarters in Dublin on Sunday, 5th March. 

The Taoiseach met the national finalists at Government Buildings, before the young entrepreneurs travelled to a pitch training session at Google. He said: “I am overwhelmed and inspired by the entrepreneurial talent that I have encountered here today.  In this fast-moving world, there can be no standing still and we must always stay ahead of the curve in terms of business. It is vital that we nurture our young business people, encourage them, and give them supports as they strive to make an impact and to succeed.” 

Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD said: “These young entrepreneurs are shining examples of how Ireland can stand out and succeed in a highly competitive environment. Creativity, design, technology and innovation have been to the fore in this year’s IBYE. I want to congratulate the finalists here today and all who have participated in the competition so far and encourage them to keep going and realise their ambition. I also want to assure young entrepreneurs up and down the country that their Local Enterprise Office will be on hand every step of the way. I wish the finalists every success in the National IBYE final on March 5.”