Terms and Conditions

1. The Award is open to companies:
   • Who are in business for less than 2 years
   • Are technology or knowledge based
   • Have an intent to export if they are not already exporting
   • Whose business plan includes substantial growth strengthening the economic impact of the business within the region.
2. The Panel will assess the entries and decide on the winner
3. Applications will only be accepted on the approved application form.
4. No applications will be accepted after the closing date or time. The closing date is 12 noon July 5th 2011.
5. All applications must include 2 referees with all requested contacted details. These referees should not be related to the applicant in any way but should be clients or suppliers to the business.  The referees should not be personal friends of the applicant.  If referees are to be contacted the panel will contact the referees without checking with the applicant.  Hence all applicants need to ensure that the referees have consented to being included as referees for the applicant.
6. Applicants will be short listed and invited to make a presentation to the Panel.
7. All shortlisted applicants must be available to present on July 28th 2011 at the appointed time.
8. All queries re the competition should be submitted on-line to thelinc@itb.ie
9. The decision of the Panel is final and they will not enter into any discussion or correspondence about the results.
10. Any panel member will be excluded from scoring submissions for which they have a relationship with or any declared interest in.
11. Prize is non-transferrable
12. Judging Criteria - All submissions will be judged on:
    • Innovation
      The product/service should be able to demonstrate innovation within the market, outlining what is unique about the business product/service
    • Economic impact on the region
      The business should show how it will add economic value to the region
    • Financial planning
      The business should have a viable financial planning process, a reasonable basis for profitability (though not necessarily in profit), demonstrate continuity of the organisation through funding and realistic financial plans.
    • Market strategy showing growth plans and exports plans
      A strong marketing strategy should demonstrate realistically how the business will grow and export out of Ireland while adding economic value to the region.
    • Strength of the team
      The team behind the business must demonstrate commitment and adequate experience and competence to realise the plans of the business
    • Value Add to the Institute
      The submission should demonstrate why locating in the LINC located at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown will benefit the business.
13. The successful applicant agrees to the term of the license agreement of the LINC and the policies and procedures associated with the LINC.