TaxAssist names Social Entrepreneurs Ireland as this year's 'Start-up Hero'

TaxAssist Accountants was one of the main sponsors of this year’s Bank of Ireland Startup Awards highlighting the country’s thriving small business community.

The competition, which has been running for six years, celebrated the success of start-ups from a variety of business sectors and rewarding them for their hard work.

Those selected for the National Shortlist travelled to Dublin in early May, to pitch their business to a panel of judges, including Alison McGinley, Managing Director of TaxAssist Accountants Ireland.

The winners from 11 categories, including retail, technology and digital, were announced on 18th May at the Startup Awards Ceremony at Dublin’s Royal Hibernian Gallery.

TaxAssist Accountants sponsored ‘The 2017 Startup Hero’ award. This year’s winner was Darren Ryan of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, a company which actively seeks out social entrepreneurs with potential, and helps them grow and develop their ideas for the benefit of the country.

Taking into consideration the hard work that goes into every start-up and knowing the importance of financial matters as a big part of achieving success, Alison felt it was vital to sponsor the award that recognises the talent and tenacity of small businesses and new start-ups.

All of the entrants to the awards received a one-hour consultation with their local TaxAssist Accountant and a free 12-page start-up guide.

Alison said: “It was a great honour to sit on the judging panel and meeting the awards finalists. Such was the high quality of all the start-ups who entered, it made it very difficult to choose the eventual winners.

“However, in the end it was Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, whose dedication to helping new businesses success in the Republic of Ireland, that really impressed the panel and landed them this year’s ‘Start-up Hero’ award.”

A full list of the winners can be found here.

Last updated: 6th June 2017