Students Showcase Their Brilliant Business Ideas
The Kerry County Council Student Enterprise Awards, hosted at MTU Tralee, recently concluded its final round, witnessing remarkable creativity and innovation among student participants. This event brought together over 12 secondary school students, who formed 25 mini-businesses, demonstrating their entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
The awards aim to foster a comprehensive understanding of business operations among students by encouraging them to develop business ideas, structure their operations, secure financing, and engage in marketing and sales activities. Furthermore, participants are tasked with drafting a formal business plan, providing a holistic exposure to the world of entrepreneurship.
Over several months, these student-led mini-companies trade products or services, allowing participants to gain firsthand experience in managing a business. This practical approach enables students to navigate the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, from conceptualizing an idea to executing it in the market, managing finances, and realizing profits.
The competition recognized outstanding achievements across junior, intermediate, and senior levels. Winners from each category have earned their spots to compete in the national finals scheduled to take place in Mullingar on May 9.
At the senior level, the project “The Boot Clinic” clinched the top prize. Spearheaded by Oliver Lata and Stephen Turner from CBS The Green, their venture focuses on restoring old football boots, catering to the sustainability trend and promoting reuse in sports apparel.
The intermediate category saw a win for “Léine Lúfar,” a novel take on shirts equipped with magnetic buttons. This creative idea was brought to life by Castleisland Community College students Ellie Horgan, Emma Horgan, and Blaithin Rahilly, offering an innovative solution for ease of dressing.
In the junior category, Presentation Secondary School, Castleisland students Marguerite Herlihy, Seána Walsh, Clodagh Buckley, and Lucey Matassa won with their product “Carry Camán,” a hi-vis hurley and sliotar holder, catering to the safety and convenience of sports enthusiasts.
A special accolade, the Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year, was awarded to Edel O’Connor from Mean Scoil Nua An Leith-truigh for her exceptional guidance and support in nurturing young entrepreneurs.
Pobail Scoil Corca Dhuibhne was recognized with the Best School Award, highlighting its comprehensive support and dedication to fostering entrepreneurial skills among its students.
This year’s Kerry County Council Student Enterprise Awards showcased the ingenuity and potential of young entrepreneurs. With their innovative ideas and commitment, these students pave the way for a promising future in business. Their journey from ideation to realization not only reflects their hard work but also the supportive ecosystem provided by their schools and the competition itself. As they move on to the national finals, these young entrepreneurs are bound to make a significant impact, embodying the spirit of innovation and enterprise.
