RECOGNISING THOSE WHO:

  • Champion local pride and community spirit
  • Support Waterford’s economy
  • Actively promote Waterford
  • Promote Waterford from outside the county
  • Keep Waterford at the heart of what they do

Who can apply?

  • All businesses from sole traders to large corporations.
  • Organisations, schools/students and charities may apply.
  • Members of the public may apply.
  • Applicants may be based outside Co. Waterford if they can demonstrate that they are promoting Think Waterford First, for example Waterford expats who actively promote Waterford.
  • Applicants can achieve a bronze, and then later apply for silver or gold.
  • The accreditation will be dated by year — a business/organisation may re-apply to update their accreditation year to demonstrate they are continuing to Think Waterford First.
  • There is no fee to apply.
  • Open for application all year-round with no deadlines or closing dates.

APPLICATION AND ACCREDITATION PROCESS

  • Applications can be made online here: https://forms.office.com/e/hpipVKRfji
  • Applicants will self-assess how they score from a list of criteria.
    Supporting evidence may be provided by the applicant or requested later by Waterford Chamber.
  • Waterford Chamber will review the applications to determine the accreditation level (Gold/Silver/Bronze). The Chamber will then inform the applicant and arrange a photo with a certificate and will provide the applicant with promotional material (accreditation logo).
  • Waterford Chamber will aim to complete the process within one month of the initial application.

WHAT DO YOU RECEIVE FOR ACCREDITATION?

  • Applicants who achieve the accreditation will receive a printed certificate which can be displayed in their premises.
  • Accreditation graphics (as shown above) which can be used on websites, email signatures, social media, headed paper etc.
  • All accredited businesses/organisations/individuals will be listed on the www.ThinkWaterfordFirst.ie website (to be launched in 2025).
    Waterford Chamber will take a photo of each business receiving their certificate which will be shared on Chamber social media, email newsletter, website, Network Magazine etc.
  • Waterford Chamber will issue press releases and will publish articles in Network Magazine with some details about how each business/organisation/individual Thinks Waterford First.
  • Each year, all the businesses/organisations who achieved the accreditation will be considered for the new Think Waterford First category award as part of Waterford Chamber’s annual Waterford Business Awards.

HOW TO ACHIEVE ACCREDITATION

  • Applicants should answer the criteria with a self-assessment grade that they feel honestly reflects their performance.
  • For example, an applicant could self-assess one of the criteria as 15 out of 15 for outstanding performance, or 10 out of 15 for good performance but with room for improvement.
  • Maximum scores shown in the application form.

THINK WATERFORD FIRST LOGO

Businesses, organisations and individuals who have received accreditation: 

coming soon…

Click here to apply