Entrepreneurship at primary and third level [www.bizstartup.ie]
- Published: 15 February 2011
Launched today by entrepreneur and 'Dragon' Sean Gallagher, the competition is aimed at introducing entrepreneurship to young people.
It was developed by the South-East Regional Authority (SERA) and supported by the nationwide network of County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs).
For the competition, third-level students are invited to submit ideas on how to introduce entrepreneurship as a subject in primary-school classrooms. A prize fund of €1,000 and a number of Apple iPads are up for grabs for winning entries.
Entries can be based around the idea of a website, for example, or a series of animated drawings, or even a toolkit with games and role-plays for primary-school children, focusing on enterprise education.
“We’re looking for innovative, creative entries from third-level students – ideas that would encourage primary-school children to start thinking about what it means to be an entrepreneur, and help them begin to develop the skills-set needed to set up an enterprise or business,” said Cllr. John Cummins, cathaoirleach of the SERA.
Of interest to a wide range of students
“‘Generation Next’ should be of interest to a wide range of students – in addition to those studying enterprise and education, it also offers students of disciplines such as digital media, art and communications an opportunity to submit their ideas and possibly see them implemented in classrooms throughout Ireland.”
Speaking at today’s event, Gallagher said: “This is a great initiative to get young people more interested in, and aware of, the role of enterprise and entrepreneurship in Irish society. I have no doubt that this competition will help encourage the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs and help them develop Ireland’s future business successes.”
The deadline for receipt of entries is 8 April 2011. The competition will culminate in an awards ceremony in late April 2011. Further information and full guidelines are available here
