The search for Fingal’s top biz kids is now underway

FINGAL’S youngest entrepreneurs are ready to rock in this year’s National Student Enterprise Programme.

Last year, a record 2,600 Scholars from 32 local primary and secondary schools stepped up to compete in Fingal’s programme and it’s hoped 2016 will see even more budding biz whizz kids enter.

The launch venue for this year’s programme was Simtech Aviation, a sponsor of the Fingal Student Enterprise Programme and a successful local company that’s expert in training pilots.

Hopefully this year’s students’ new business ventures will take full flight as a result!

Now in its 16th year, the national competition sees over 17,000 students compete. There are 31 Local Enterprise Offices nationwide and Fingal co-ordinates and presents the largest number of participants every year, for a place in the County Finals in March 2017.

Category winners will then advance to the National Final, in April 2017.

The secondary schools programme is sponsored, for the eighth consecutive year, by the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board. 

Head of Fingal Local Enterprise Office, Oisin Geoghegan, said every year sees a fantastic array of innovative and exciting new business ideas emerging from Fingal students.

“I am delighted that we have such a wealth of young entrepreneurial talent coming through,” he added.

“Fingal runs the biggest Student Enterprise Programme in Ireland and this year we anticipate even bigger numbers of entrepreneurial students participating/”

Paul Reid, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council pointed out at the launch 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,” he said.

“Fingal 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 Fingal Student Enterprise Programme are available by e-mailing [email protected] or by visiting www.studententerprise.ie.