Minister for Social Enterprise Ann Phelan T.D., today (Monday) announced that Carlow County Council has launched a major drive to spur entrepreneurial primary and second level students to develop innovative business proposals as part of the Student Concept Competition 2015. This is a great opportunity for ambitious and enterprising students to develop their entrepreneurial skills, whilst also giving them a chance to win prizes which includes a PC tablet.
The Student Concept competition is co-sponsored by Bank of Ireland, IT Carlow, Carlow Regional Youth Services and VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art. A key priority of the competition is to get students thinking about invention and products which could shape manufacturing enterprises in the future. Now in its 8th year the Student Concept Competition in 2014 attracted over 1500 entries. Speaking about the competition John Mulcahy – Enterprise Executive with the Local Enterprise Office said “The project approach taken to the Student Concept Competition is unique in that the sponsors bring their expertise which can help the finalists in the competition to commercialise their concepts if they wish to do so”.
At the launch of the competition, Minister for Social Enterprise Ann Phelan T.D., said that “The development of young entrepreneurs at primary and second level students is an essential step in the growth of Ireland and will increase future business start-ups. As such, young people should be seen as a key element in our drive to establish more micro and small business which will in turn aid job creation”
Dan McInerney, A/Chief Executive of Carlow County Council further added “The Student Concept Competition will help drive the economy by getting the students to think about starting their own business. We have to encourage and stimulate students to be ambitious about their own potential to go into business for themselves, and the Student Concept Competition is a really important opportunity for them. ”
Kieran Comerford, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Carlow added: “The Student Concept Competition features a host of approaches to reach the students and make sure they get great encouragement. Support is available through the Local Enterprise Office and this competition is designed to raise awareness of these supports with the students. We encourage the students to be innovative, collaborative and creative when coming up with products that will help them explore their ideas and appetite for going into business for themselves.”
For more information on the Student Concept Competition visit the Local Enterprise Office Carlow website: Carlow - Student Concept Competition or call 059-9123783
