The brightest young entrepreneurial minds in Westmeath will be showcasing their projects at the Westmeath Student Enterprise Awards, which take place at Golden Island Shopping Centre, Athlone this Friday, 11 March.
The Westmeath Local Enterprise Office has a strong involvement with all types of enterprise but this is the time of year when we get to see a glimpse of the future. Westmeath has some of the brightest young entrepreneurs in the country (in our opinion!) and 11 March is the day to show them off! It is especially pertinent this year as the finals fall in Enterprise Week to add extra emphasis!
The teams from up to 10 schools will display their businesses and business ideas in the Golden Island Shopping Centre, when judges will select three representatives from Westmeath to attend the National Student Enterprise Awards final in Croke Park in April.
This programme is renowned for allowing students to get a real feel for being self-employed, culminating in an array of industry-standard projects in a short space of time.
Speaking on behalf of Westmeath Local Enterprise Office, Rob Marr says, “I have had the pleasure of working closely with these bright and talented young people and some of their achievements are simply unbelievable. The level of energy and enthusiasm is inspirational and their commitment to make their business idea a reality serves as a lesson for us all. It is vital that we not only encourage but recognise these brilliant young people as they will be the innovators and employers of tomorrow.”
The search for Westmeath’s young entrepreneurs began in September 2015 when over 17,000 students nationally got involved in the early stage process of thinking of a new or creative business idea. Over the course of the 6 months that followed, the students were put through their paces in school workshops with the LEO’s support and also with a huge amount of encouragement from their teachers.
Students study the many aspects of business life including marketing, sales, finance and accounts, while also learning practical skills on raising money and promoting their business. Apart from the business skills acquired, they also develop their confidence, public speaking and media skills and learn time management.
Up to 200 students from up to 10 Westmeath secondary schools will be present on the day with nearly 100 taking direct part in the finals. The students will be displaying their work from 10.00am on Friday morning until 2.00pm in the Golden Island Shopping Centre and many of them will be selling their wares as well so all are welcome to come and support them.