There’s another chance for Galway’s creative start-ups to take their place on the global stage as CREW (Creative Enterprise West) – in partnership with the Western Development Commission and Creative Business Network of Denmark – has officially launched the second year of the Creative Business Cup Ireland competition.

Building on the success of last year, CBC Ireland 2025 invites Ireland’s creative start-ups to showcase their innovative businesses, with the winner earning the opportunity to represent Ireland at the CBC Global Finals in Copenhagen.

The Creative Business Cup is an international competition spanning over 60 countries, celebrating the synergy between creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Irish creative startups across sectors such as games, digital design, immersive technologies and content creation are encouraged to apply, gaining mentorship, exposure, and access to a global network of investors and industry leaders.

Ian Brannigan, Head of Regional Development at the Western Development Commission, emphasized the transformative power of CBC.

“The Creative Business Cup exemplifies Ireland’s ability to nurture creative talent and empower it on a global stage,” he said.

“The WDC is proud to continue our collaboration with CREW in driving innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the creative industries. We look forward to seeing this year’s participants take the stage and shape the future of Ireland’s creative economy,” he added.

CEO of CREW Niamh Costello agreed, emphasising that CREW’s mission is to support and connect Irish creative industry startups, helping them scale globally.

“The Creative Business Cup is a fantastic platform to showcase Ireland’s talent to an international audience, providing entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to succeed,” she said.

“The creative industries are a global sector with significant growth potential, and Ireland’s creative industry startups are ambitious, innovative, and ready to compete on the world stage.

“Connecting startups with both international mentorship and investors is crucial to their long-term success, ensuring they have the support to scale and thrive in a highly competitive global market.”

Gráinne Mullins, CEO of Grá Chocolates and winner of CBC Ireland 2024, shared her experience.

“Winning CBC Ireland was an incredible moment for Grá Chocolates. The exposure, mentorship, and networking opportunities it provided were invaluable,” she said.

“Representing Ireland at the global finals in Copenhagen connected me with people in creative industries from all across the world. I encourage every creative entrepreneur to seize this opportunity to showcase their innovation and ambition.”

Shortlisted finalists will participate in a bespoke mentorship programme, supported by the Local Enterprise Office Galway, in preparation to pitch their business to an esteemed international jury at the Irish national finals in June.

The winner of CBC Ireland receives access to international mentors and industry experts, further training and networking opportunities, and will be supported in attending the global finals pitch event and conference in Copenhagen in September.

Applications for CBC Ireland 2025 are now open, with the national finals set to take place in June at CREW’s Creative Enterprise and Innovation Hub in Galway.

For more information and application details, visit www.crew digital.ie/programmes and follow @crewdigital.ie social media.

Pictured: Niamh Costello, CEO of CREW, Grainne Mullins, CEO of Grá Chocolates, and Teresa Hooks, Regional Development Executive at WDC, at the launch of CBC Ireland 2025.