Kilkenny County Council, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, South East Technological University (SETU), and the Urlingford Town team are delighted to announce START Exit 4 Competition 2025.
START Exit 4 is open to anyone with an innovative business idea in the early stages of trading (within the first 18 months of trading or pre-trading)
If you have an original and innovative idea within the technology sector (e.g. Agri-Tech, AI, Ecommerce, FinTech, Gaming, Healthcare, ICT, IOT, Robotics, etc.) and intend on setting up a business in Kilkenny, or are already in the early stages of development, check out this competition.
The initiative will involve availing of LEO Kilkenny and SETU training and mentoring where appropriate, and will culminate in a final comprising of an investor ready pitch for an investment fund worth €6,000. The prize fund will include access to office space to the value of €1,500 at the newly opened Exit 4, conferencing and remote working hub located in Urlingford.
To encourage budding entrepreneurs to come forward, LEO Kilkenny will run a START/Exit 4 workshop and Start Your Own Business Course at Exit 4, Urlingford during spring/summer 2025. South East Technological University (SETU) will also be onsite to support applicants in the area.
The competition will be open for applications from Friday the 4th April through the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny website at www.localenterprise.ie/kilkenny.
In conjunction with this competition, The Local Enterprise office will also be holding a workshop and Start your Own Business course in Exit 4 on the below dates along with mentoring sessions with SETU. It is not a requirement to take part in the workshop and course if you enter the competition, however it is recommended as this will prepare you for the competition pitch. Mentoring will also be provided for competition entrants who do not take part in workshop and course.
We also encourage participants in the workshop and course who do not wish to enter the competition but are interested in starting their own business or are in the early stages of starting their own business.
Key dates:
Dates | START Exit 4 Competition |
4th April 2025 | Start Exit 4 competition Applications open. Start Exit 4 Workshop and Course open for bookings. |
9th April 2025 | START Exit 4 workshop held at Exit 4. |
30th April, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th of May, 4th June 2025 | 6 half day Start Your Own Business courses held at Exit 4 in the morning. LEO and SETU hold advice clinics onsite after morning course. Business plan and pitches will be worked on in this time supported by Mentor, LEO, SETU. |
30th May 2025 | Competition closed for entries. |
2nd June to 6th June 2025 |
| Shortlisted applicants to avail of one to one mentoring to enhance their application and develop their pitches for the competition. |
9th June 2025 | Submission of Completed Business Proposal Documents and Electronic Presentation |
13th June 2025 | Interview and Pitch to Judging Panel final |
At the launch of the ‘START Exit 4’ competition, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Michael McCarthy said “The Local Enterprise Office is the first stop for any entrepreneur who is looking to start or grow their business. This competition aims to encourage and support people starting out on their entrepreneurial journey. We are delighted to partner with Exit 4 and the Urlingford Town Team and highlight this exceptional facility that is here at Exit 4 as a workplace hub and centre for businesses to thrive and grow.
Exit 4 is a fully serviced and professionally managed range of office spaces and conference facilities, designed for diverse users. Housed within the impressive former Bank of Ireland building on Main Street, Urlingford, North Kilkenny, this national heritage building has been repurposed by the Urlingford Town Team in partnership with Kilkenny County Council, so that the space seamlessly blends its historical charm with high quality amenities.”
Dympna Hayes, Chair of the Urlingford Town Team, said that they are delighted to team up with the Local Enterprise Office and SETU through the Start/Exit 4 competition. “This initiative will open our hub to entrepreneurs and business owners and will kick start a thriving enterprise ecosystem within the town.” Dympna pointed out that Urlingford’s strategic location just off the M8 corridor at Exit 4 is ideal for this competition. “Our centrally located venue is a perfect fit for conferences or training sessions. We look forward to welcoming you to our hub.”
Brian Ogilvie Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement at South East Technological University commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office and the Urlingford Town Team in launching this exciting new program for start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs in Urlingford. As part of its mission, SETU is dedicated to promoting economic development in the region and engaging with businesses, particularly those in rural areas, to support their growth and embed innovation at the heart of their operations. We firmly believe that working with businesses in their locality through partners such as Exit 4 and Kilkenny LEO plays a vital role in helping our communities to grow.”
At the first stage of the competition, applicants are invited to submit their entries via an online application form on www.localenterprise.ie/kilkenny. Closing date for entries is Friday 30th May 2025. Participants will then by supported to refine and finalise their business proposal and the winners will be announced at the end of June 2025 following a competitive pitch process.
For more information about the ‘START Exit 4’ competition, visit www.localenterprise.ie/kilkenny
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