Future Looks Bright for Young Sligo Entrepreneurs

Secondary school students from six schools in Sligo and Omagh joined together on Thursday, 6th April in the Share Centre, Lisnaskea to mark the final part of a new exciting cross-border enterprise project.

- Pictured above are the students from Summerhill College receiving the overall winner award

The day began with students from each school giving a business presentation on Export Business Plans they had written during the project. Raelene McAteer of Junior Achievement said ‘the students had some fantastic business ideas, everything from innovative hair straighteners and bottled mineral water to an innovative counting money box. They all showed a great level of knowledge about the issues that arise when competing in the international marketplace.’ The fourth year students from Summerhill College won the award for Overall Winner in this area. Their company ‘Stingers’proposed to develop a new health drink - Stingers Nettle Juice. Aiming to target an ever-increasing health conscious market, the young entrepreneurs from Summerhill College covered all issues that would need to be considered when exporting to another country.

Students also participated in a very exciting trading game, which introduced them to some of the complexities of international trade between countries that are at different stages of economic development. Working together in groups representing various different countries from the USA to Bangladesh, students had to earn as much money as possible for their country by making various products to export to Northern Ireland.

Guestspeaker Mr Gerry Mc Caughey, Chief Executive of Kingspan Century, shared some of his vast experience and words of wisdom with the students at the end of the event. Gerry encouraged each of the students to try their best in whatever they do and not to let anything stand in their way of achieving what they want.

The Export for Success project was designed and delivered by Junior Achievement in partnership with the Omagh-Sligo Partnership, Sligo County Enterprise Board and Young Enterprise Northern Ireland. The Export for Success project introduces students to key aspects of international trade. During the project students discovered why businesses export and the benefits and risks associated with this. They learned about the challenges of international marketing faced by any business entering the international market. Finally the students discussed the issues that need to be considered with exporting to Northern Ireland. Participating schools in Sligo included Ursuline College, Mercy College and Summerhill College.

The day finished with the presentation of the Export for Success certificates to the participating students.