Students Set to Shine in County Final of Student Enterprise Awards
In an exciting showcase of entrepreneurial talent, more than 100 students hailing from 7 esteemed secondary schools will gather at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel on Thursday, 7th March 2024, for the highly anticipated County Final of the Student Enterprise Awards. This event, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, aims to instil the spirit of entrepreneurship among secondary school students. Since its inception, the Student Enterprise Programme has witnessed the active participation of over 325,000 students, with an anticipated 25,000 participants this year alone.
Participants will engage in spirited competition across various categories, as each student-led enterprise undertakes the challenge of conceptualizing, establishing, and operating their own business, demonstrating viable sales for their products or services. Following county and regional finals, the crème de la crème of Student Enterprises from across the country will vie for top honours at the national Final in May 2024.
Rosie Dunne, Student Enterprise Coordinator with Carlow County Council and the Local Enterprise Office, remarked, “The remarkable growth in the number of students participating in the Student Enterprise Programme within County Carlow is a testament to the dedication of the involved schools, their business educators, and the students themselves. Anticipation is mounting for the County Final, a culmination of months of hard work, promising to be a dazzling showcase of Carlow's aspiring young entrepreneurs. All eyes are on impressing the judges and clinching the esteemed title of 'Student Enterprise Programme County Final Winner' on the big day.”
Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the Final, stating, “The Student Enterprise Awards is one of my favourite events each year. Empowering our youth with a robust enterprise education is not merely an investment in their future; it is a commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovative leaders and job creators. By fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, we are not only shaping successful individuals but also building a resilient and dynamic economy that thrives on innovation and creativity.”
Participating schools in this year’s edition include Colaiste Eoin, St Mary's CBS, St Mary's Knockbeg, St Leo's College, Tyndall College, Tullow Community School, and Presentation De la Salle. The awards ceremony will unfold at 2pm in the elegant setting of the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, located on Kilkenny Road in Carlow.
Sarah Byrne, Business Advisor with the Local Enterprise Office who manages the Student Enterprise Programme emphasized the significance of the mini-company process, stating, “Real-life experiences in enterprise are pivotal for a holistic education for our youth. Confronting challenges, making decisions, and navigating the complexities of the business world not only imparts valuable skills but also cultivates a resilience crucial for success. These experiences serve as the crucible where the future leaders of our economy are shaped, honing their abilities to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape.”
For further information, please contact: Sarah Byrne, Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office, Email: sbyrne@carlowcoco.ie Phone: 059/9129783.
