The Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards - now in their 18th year - recognise and reward the effort and achievements of entrepreneurs and businesses throughout Ireland.

Entries are accepted from businesses of all sizes and sectors in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. There are eight categories for entry:

• Innovation and Emerging Technology Award.
• International Business Award.
• Social Entrepreneurship Award.
• Best Business Start-up Award.
• Family Run Business Award.
• Green Business Award.
• Agriculture, Food & Drink Award.
• Service Business Award.

The Awards operate on a provincial basis to identify local winners in Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster, with winners going through to the National awards. The main prize for the Ulster Bank Business Achiever is a €50,000 publishing bursary with the Irish Independent.

The deadline for applications is 30 November

Click on the scheme link or log-in to the site and do a keyword search for "Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards 2011"for further information, guidance documents, application forms, contact details and links

Source: Ulster Bank, 28/09/11