Gaeilge
Donegal ETB has launched its fifth annual Enterprise Day for post-primary schools and Youthreach centres from across the county. This exciting event takes place on Wednesday 17 October in Letterkenny Institute of Technology.
The aim of the day is to introduce the concept of entrepreneurship in a fun way to young people with the support of Donegal entrepreneurs. Last year two hundred and fifty young people from twenty-one schools and Youthreach centres from across the county participated.
The day involves each team developing a product, from materials provided to them, on which they are judged in a Dragon’s Den-type set up. This includes pitching their product to panels of business judges. Teams are given a business mentor and an LYIT business studies student to guide them throughout the day. They will hear from a guest speaker on entrepreneurship success and failure and get tips on how to pitch a business idea. The day also includes fun activities, ice breakers and team building games with staff from Donegal ETB’s Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre.
This year’s guest speaker is successful young Buncrana entrepreneur Nicola McLaughlin, otherwise known as the Sequin Cinderella. Nicola, a fashion designer, award winning fashion blogger and boutique owner, began blogging six years ago in 2012 and then set up her fashion designer business in 2015, followed by the opening of her boutique, Sequin Cinderella, in 2016. She has a combined social media following across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube and LinkedIn of over 50,000 followers and will share her wealth of entrepreneurial experience with the students.
Donegal ETB’s Director of Schools, Dr Martin Gormley commented, “This is one of Donegal ETB’s keynote events for students and learners across the county to encourage the key skill of entrepreneurship in a creative and fun way. We really appreciate the host of business people and entrepreneurs giving up their time on the day to support the students and learners.”
Michael Margey, Head of School at LYIT’s Department of Business said, “We are delighted to be involved with Donegal ETB again this year in supporting this exciting event for Donegal’s young people.”
Previous winners of the Enterprise Day have included Finn Valley College, Carndonagh Community School and Deele College. You can check out last Donegal ETB’s 2017 Enterprise Day here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMh-WBsfpeQ&t=15s
Keep an eye on Donegal ETB’s Twitter account (@DonegalETB) for updates on the day and follow the hashtag #ETBEnterprise18.
