First ever Mayor’s Innovation Award is open for applications

First ever Mayor’s Innovation Award is open for applications

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Trimble is proud to launch the first ever Mayor’s Innovation Award. 

A total of £15,000 is available to help inspire entrepreneurship, social enterprise and to benefit community wellbeing. There are three award categories and the successful applicant of each category will receive a one-off grant of £5,000 to help develop and implement their idea. 

The categories are: Youth Entrepreneurship Award (18-30 year olds), Youth Community Award (18-30 year olds) and Social Enterprise Award. Mayor Trimble outlining the intention behind the new award, said: “The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been felt across all of our society. I have seen first-hand its effect on local businesses and communities. I am concerned about its potential impact on opportunities for our young people. This is why I have launched the Mayor’s Innovation Awards. I hope these grants can inspire entrepreneurship and creativity and help turn ideas into reality.

“I look forward to receiving applications with proposed plans that will help support our local economy and enhance community engagement. Three individuals or groups now have an opportunity to put in place plans they may have been thinking about over the last year.  If you have an idea and would like support to help it come to life then please apply before 12 noon on Friday 30th April.”

For full details and to submit an online application online visit www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/mayorsinnovationaward 

Category One: The Youth Entrepreneurship Award: For young people aged between 18 -30 who would like the chance to develop an innovative business idea and create a new business enterprise that will boost local economic activity.

Category Two: The Youth Community Award:  For youth and community groups or individuals who would like the chance to develop and implement an innovative project that benefits the local community and promotes youth engagement.  

Category Three: The Social Enterprise Award: Offers social entrepreneurs an opportunity to create a new business or a new project within an existing social enterprise.