Students Display Great Entrepreneurial Talent in Mallow

Over 250 students from second level schools all over North Cork took part in the final of the Student Enterprise Programme run by the Local Enterprise Office Cork North & West at the Mallow GAA complex on Tuesday the 14th of March.

 

North Cork Schools Enterprise Senior Grass GirlsA total of 59 mini-companies from second level schools all over Cork from 1st year, 2nd Year and Transition Years set up and put on display products that they have produced since the school year began in September. The event was organised as part of the National Student Enterprise Programme run by the LEO’s across the country. To reward their effort, the LEO put up a number of trophies and the competition was fierce.

 

The Best Overall in the Junior Category was Locker Smart of Davis College who created a locker organising solution for second level students. Winner in the Intermediate Category was Boosh Beauty of Presentation College Mitchelstown, who make organic natural face masks and lip scrubs.

 

There were a huge number of entries in the senior category with “Grass Girls” of St. Mary’s Secondary School in Charleville, taking the Best Overall Company on the day. They have come up with a unique product for tagging animals.

 

There were a host of other prizes up for grabs on the day and “Fantasy Hurling” from Charleville CBS and “Yo Sounds” from Davis College picked up awards for the quality of their display. Gripp’d from St. Colman’s and “It’s FAHB” from Davis College received awards for their Sales Technique. “Ice Identity” from Davis College and “1st Year Survival Games” in Presentation College Mitchelstown received awards for Innovation. “Crann Nollaig” from Colaiste Mhuire Buttevant and “Your Shields, Your Way” from St. Mary’s Charleville received awards for Team Spirit. “Conshoes’d” from Scoil Mhuire Kanturk and “Tasty Foods for Everyone” from St. Mary’s in Mallow received awards for their Interview Technique.

North Cork Schools Enterprise Intermediate Boosh Beauty 

Speaking at the event, Head of Enterprise at LEO Cork North & West, Kevin Curran, thanked all the teachers for the support they provide to their students and said: “We are seeking the next generation of entrepreneurs and the standard on display here today is very impressive. Congratulations to all participants. We look forward to seeing you again as clients of the LEO in the years to come.”

 

Judges on the day were Bernie Carroll, of Student Programmes Ireland; Dan Murphy, Financial Advisor; Ann Marie Tierney of Avondhu Blackwater Partnership; Tadhg Curtis, Former Chairman of North Cork Enterprise Board, and Colm Walsh of LEO North Cork & West. All were very impressed with the standard of entry and agreed it was difficult to pick the winners from the depth of talent on display.

 

The Student Enterprise Programme is a national initiative that instils entrepreneurial skills in young people and the showcase gave the students experience at putting together a presentation stand, pitching to judges and honing their sales skills. For more information regarding this initiative, visit www.studententerprise.ie.

North Cork Schools Enterprise Junior Locker Smart