Chambers Ireland Weekly Digest: 31st July 2017

 

  • European Commission project – Circular Economy and SMEs

A European Commission project which aims to kick-start the circular economy amongst SMEs in Europe has been launched. For this project they are looking for:

  • SME support organisations which would like to receive training on the subject of circular economy;
  • circular solution providers (companies which offer sustainable products and/or services) which would like to expand;
  • and regional authorities which would like to receive policy advice on how to support SMEs in adopting circular solutions.

If you are interested to participate please look for more information and submit an expression of interest before September 18th September 2017 by filling in the digital application that are located at

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/funding/circular-economy-smes/

Please feel free to disseminate this information to potentially interested parties in your network!

If you have any further question please write to ENV-PILOT-PROJECT@ec.europa.eu

 

  • Junior Chamber International – Friendly Business Awards (FBAs)

The JCI Ireland Friendly Business Awards seek to recognise the important role played by small and medium businesses in the continuous development and improvement of our economy and local communities. The competition aims to award businesses that go the extra mile and provide an outstanding service to their customers and their community at large. It is particularly important in this economic environment to highlight businesses that don’t allow their standards to slip and continue to provide quality services in a friendly manner.

Ireland’s Friendliest Business will be awarded under the following six categories: Community Impact, Customer Care, Disability Access, Digital Experience, Eco-Friendliness and Shop Layout and Design. These categories are the foundations of a business that has the customer at their core.

The closing date for nominations is 7th August 2017. Nominations are submitted online via:

https://www.jciireland.ie/friendly-business-awards/friendly-business-nominations/ and more information can be found at https://www.jciireland.ie/friendly-business-awards/.

 

  • Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Ireland Public Sector Proposers Conference

Invitation

The 2nd Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Ireland Public Sector Proposers Conference will be held on:

Date: Wednesday September 13th 2017

Where: Enterprise Ireland, The Plaza, East Point Business Park, Dublin 3

Registration Time: 08.15am – 09.30

Duration: 09.30am – 13.00 approx

Audience: This conference is open to all Specifiers/Procurers from across all sections of the Irish Public Sector

 

What is SBIR?

The Small Business Research Initiative (SBIR), is a mechanism enabling public sector bodies to connect with innovative ideas through technology businesses, to provide

innovative solutions to specific public sector challenges and need

 

What is SBIR Ireland?

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Ireland is the national innovation pre-commercial procurement initiative administered by Enterprise Ireland www.sbirireland.ie

SBIR Ireland’s aim is to drive innovation across all sections of the Irish Public Sector via robust engagement with technology rich companies and organisations, through competitive challenges. EI has established a fund to co-support worthy competitive challenges in partnership with Irish Contracting Authorities.

 

Background to Conference

This event is timed in advance of the release of a 2nd Call for SBIR Ireland Expression of Interest (Eols) Challenges to Irish Public Sector Specifiers/Procurers in Autumn 2017. The

Eols will demand Contracting Authorities to outline bona fide SBIR Challenges for evaluation and if successful will receive funding support. It is anticipated that up to 10 SBIR

Competitions will be funded over the period 2018 – 2019.

 Speakers will include representatives from:

  • Northern Ireland SBRI
  • Wales SBRI
  • Scotland SBRI
  • UK Healthcare SBRI
  • SBIR Holland
  • Irish SBIR user Contracting Authorities
  • Successful SMEs

Please confirm attendance to maria.gavin@enterprise-ireland.com by COB Friday September 8th 2017