Questions and Answers

• Purpose of Competition?

  The competition aims to promote enterprise by bringing business and community groups together, in each town and city village/urban area, to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area. All towns and city villages/urban areas can 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 or urban areas.

• Why is Bank of Ireland launching this competition for the 5th year?

  Bank of Ireland is committed to helping customers achieve their business ambitions. Bank of Ireland recognises that supporting SME’s, Start-Ups and Community organisations to work together and thrive is a core part of the Banks purpose. The Bank also recognises the importance of these awards to all who participate

• 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.

• Why launch at this time as towns struggle with Covid-19 restrictions?

  Bank of Ireland recognises the extraordinary difficult time, all our towns and City villages/urban areas have been through and believe it is particularly important to continue our journey of acknowledgement and support as they start the journey of recovery from Covid-19.

• What is the local council’s role in the competition?

  The competition has been supported by local authorities all over Ireland, their Local Enterprise Offices and Economic Development Departments.

• How are the towns chosen for the competition?

  The Towns, City villages and urban areas are generally put forward by the relevant local authority.

• How many entries are allowed from each local authority area?

  There is no limit on the number of entries per local authority area.

• Who can participate in the Bank of Ireland Begin Together Awards? Why is the competition searching for Ireland's most Enterprising town if city villages/urban areas can also partipate?

  All towns and city villages/urban areas can participate. Every city has villages and urban areas 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/urban areas.

• Who are the judges?

  The names of the judges and their bios will be made known to the towns organising committee prior to judging.

• What is the format of the judging?

  Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements, all towns will not be visited by the judging panel. Submissions should be prepared on the basis that shortlisting will apply and therefore it is important that you carefully prepare your submission. Shortlisted entries will be asked to make a formal presentation to the Judges and respond to questions. There will be no town tour required this year.

  Entrants are also advised this year to avoid congregating in large groups in preparing for the awards and to follow all government guidelines in this regard.

• What are the judging criteria?

  The judging criteria guidelines are available through the following link. businessbanking.bankofireland.com/campaigns/begin-together-awards/judging-criteria/

• How does a town enter the competition?

  The town submits the application form through the following link bankofireland.com/begintogetherawards.

• 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 Ireland irrespective of whether there is a Bank of Ireland branch.