Guidance given to students on preparing for Enterprise Awards

Carlow County Councils – Local Enterprise Office team have been out and about visiting over 400 students across the County as part of the Student Enterprise Programme 2016 which will see over 100 mini-companies developed across the 11 second level schools in County Carlow.

All students will be mentored by the Local Enterprise Team under the co-ordination of Anna Byrne the Student Enterprise Co-ordinator who gave an overview of the expectations of the quality of the business plans and the effort put into the mini-companies from the start as part of the workshops.

The Student Enterprise Programme (SEP) is the biggest enterprise competition for students in Ireland. It helps students to grasp real life skills associated with running a real enterprise including working as part of a team, managing production and finances, organising a sales and marketing campaign and liaising directly with customers, judges and the media.

It complements the business studies curriculum and is a rewarding experience for transition year students in particular, who have that bit more freedom to develop their business concepts to the fullest.

Head of Carlow Local Enterprise Office, Kieran Comerford, said every year sees a fantastic array of innovative and exciting new business ideas emerging from Carlow students.“I am delighted that we have such a wealth of young entrepreneurial talent coming through,” he added.

Commenting on the programme Bernie O’Brien – Director of Services with Carlow County Council pointed out that the bulk of new jobs in Ireland are being created in local and small businesses. “In order to maintain a healthy local economy and create jobs, it is imperative that we encourage a strong entrepreneurial culture,” she said. “Carlow County Council, through the Local Enterprise Office, is determined to ensure that the next generation of entrepreneurs are given every encouragement and stimulation to pursue their dreams. That’s what the Student Enterprise Programme is all about.”

Further details on the Carlow Student Enterprise Programme are available by e-mailing abyrne@carlowcoco.ie or by visiting www.studententerprise.ie.