Coilín O'Reilly, Chief Executive, Sarah Byrne, Business Advisor, Rosie Dunne, Carlow’s Student Enterprise Programme Co-Ordinator & Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fergal Browne
Calling all County Carlow students to sign up for the Student Enterprise Awards
The Student Enterprise Programme is one of Carlow County Councils Local Enterprise Offices core offerings. The initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country, saw 25,000 students from over 500 secondary schools across the country take part in 2023-2024
Launching the Student Enterprise Programme for 2024-2025 Carlow’s Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fergal Browne added: “As an educator, I see every day the importance of imparting knowledge to our young people. Participating in the student enterprise competition provides students with the opportunity to participate in real-life learning experiences. By taking part in the student enterprise competition, students develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. These skills are essential for their future careers and personal development.”
Carlow has a significant record of accomplishment at the National Finals of the Student Enterprise Awards having won same with HUDEBA from Borris Vocational School & Rapid from Presentation College Askea. Other previous national award winners include the “School of Sound” an event management company from Tullow Community School won the Social Media Award, Clodagh Brophy with her Enterprise “Junior Cert Science Dictionary from St. Leos College won the Most Effective Social Media Campaign Award at the National Finals in the senior category. Cian Campion of “Campion Cutz” received a best endeavour award.
2023-2024 saw Wins at the National Final. Supported by Local Enterprise Office Carlow, the students from Tullow Community School won Best Business Website Award in the Senior Student Enterprise Category. The winning students were Adam Cleary, Michael Ryan, Markuss Ragelis, Adam Laaraichi-Byrne, Thomas Fitzgerald, who worked under the guidance of their teacher, Brian Larkin. Their student enterprise was called: Flippin’ Cathy which involved gaining rights to sell a device that sticks to your phone to almost any surface multiple times.
In addition, a student from Presentation De La Salle College Bagenalstown won the My Entrepreneurial Journey award in the Junior Level Student Enterprise Category. The Winning student was Isabelle Kearney wo worked under the guidance of her teacher, Ms. Caroline McHale. Isabelle’s student enterprise was the development of a business concept called “Healthy Horses” which markets a revolutionary range of wormers called “Worm Away.”
Speaking about the Student Enterprise Programme, Sarah Byrne, Business Advisor of Carlow County Council – Local Enterprise Office said” "Teachers play a crucial role in mentoring and guiding students through the process of developing their business ideas, from business planning and market research to strategy development. By supporting students in gaining these essential skills like problem-solving, public speaking, and teamwork, we are grateful to the work of teachers who help inspire confidence and foster growth, while also earning recognition for their students through the Student Enterprise Awards.
Rosie Dunne, Carlow’s Student Enterprise Programme Co-Ordinator, spoke of the impact the programme on the students "As the student coordinator, I am incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and creativity students bring to the Student Enterprise Programme year on year. This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for students to develop real-life skills, leadership, and teamwork to problem-solving and innovations and it is inspiring to see them turn their ideas into tangible projects, fostering not just entrepreneurial spirit but also a sense of community and collaboration. I believe programs like these are vital in preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future."
The Student Enterprise Programme online resources for 2024/2025 are available at www.studententerprise.ie which will feature regular blogs and houses a full range of student enterprise resources for students and teachers.
Pre-registration for schools for 2024-2025 is now open at www.studententerprise.ie
For further information please contact enterprise@carlowcoco.ie
Tel: 059 9129783
Website: www.localenterprise.ie/carlow
