Business Boot Camp 2011
IRELANDS TOP ENTREPRENEURS SHARE THEIR BUSINESS SUCCESS STORIES & TIPS TO STUDENTS AT THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMME & AWARDS BUSINESS BOOT CAMP
On Friday February 4th The Brandon Hotel Tralee Co. Kerry became the hub of entrepreneurial activity with the arrival of some of Irelands top Entrepreneurs for the annual Young Entrepreneur Programme Business Boot Camp. Well known business names such as Hugh O'Donnell, founder of Kentz, Colum O'Sullivan of Cully & Sully, John Rice of Jam Media, Rachel Kavanagh of Rockstar Tan, and familiar Dragons' Den participants Elaine-Sarah Comerford of Button & Co. and Tralee native Daithà O'Regan of Handcraft Hurley's, took to the stage at the Business Boot Camp day to discuss their journeys to success and the difficulties they faced to the 600 students and business mentors attending the half day event hosted by Colette Fitzpatrick of TV3.
The Young Entrepreneur Programme, which is now successfully in its fourth year, is an initiative developed by Institute of Technology, Tralee, Shannon Development and Tweak.com, aimed at 15-23 year old students in second and third level schools in Kerry, Limerick and Cork. The programme, which requires students to identify a business idea and develop a business plan, is being run in association with LEADER for 2011. The students develop their business plans under the guidance of their teachers, who receive educator training on all aspects of the programme and entrepreneurship, as well as dedicated business mentors for the duration of the programme. In March 2011 the students sit an examination and the best business ideas are then shortlisted for the final, which culminates in an awards ceremony in May, where the Young Entrepreneur of the Year is announced. There are three category winners: Second Level, Third Level and Best School. The second level winner receives a trip to Silicon Valley California, giving them an opportunity to visit iconic companies such as Apple, Google and Facebook. The third level winner receives €5,000 seed capital and the best school receives an IT package to the value of €5,000. In addition, the shortlisted finalists receive a two week internship with a mentor company and an entrepreneurial day trip to Dublin in April.
The Business Boot Camp day is an integral part of the Young Entrepreneur Programme as it is here that the students get the opportunity to pitch their ideas for the first time to a panel of successful entrepreneurs. Among the many innovative ideas showcased at the event were bicycle indicators, 'Sock Locks'; an elastic and velcro device to prevent an infant from losing their socks and a miniature first aid kit for people on the go. Entrepreneurs such as Colum O'Sullivan from Cully & Sully applauded the many innovative ideas and advised the students on patenting their ideas, production costs and making a profit. There was something to suit all tastes at Business Boot Camp with Rachel Kavanagh of Rockstar Tan discussing the competitive world of the beauty industry, Hugh O'Donnell of Kentz advising the students on doing business in other countries and the cultural differences one may face and Kerry native John Rice of JAM Media entertaining the students with his exciting animations which are being watched by children all over the world. Jerry Kennelly of Tweak.com, co-founder of the Young Entrepreneur Programme, believes it is programmes such as YEP that will help to develop a generation of graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit; "Business Boot Camp is an ideal platform for the students to receive feedback from leading business people, giving their business ideas a critical reality check. Innovation is at the heart of economic recovery and we recognise the importance of connecting students with the business community" said Jerry.
The Young Entrepreneur Programme was the first initiative developed by Institute of Technology, Tralee, Shannon Development and Tweak.com who have since gone on to launch the Endeavour programme for adult entrepreneurs and the first Junior Entrepreneur Programme to primary schools in the Kerry region. County Kerry was named European Entrepreneurial Region of the Year 2011 in recognition of its vision for entrepreneurial training and development, and in particular, the success achieved through the Young Entrepreneur Programme and Endeavour. All students who take part in the Young Entrepreneur Programme and Junior Entrepreneur Programme will take part in the European Entrepreneurial Region celebrations at the YEP Awards in May.
View the schedule of speakers for Business Boot Camp.
