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, October 17 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 setup.
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, icebreakers and team building games with staff from Donegal ETB’s Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre.
Donegal ETB’s Director of Schools, Dr Martin Gormley said: “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.”
Pictured at the launch of Donegal ETB’s 2018 Enterprise Day, taking place in LYIT on 17 October are left-right: John Andy Bonar, Head of Development, LYIT; Danny McFadden, Deputy Principal, Deele College, Raphoe; Catherine Crawford, Guidance Counsellor, Mulroy College, Milford; Paul Hannigan, President, LYIT; Fiona Temple, Principal, Mulroy College, Milford; Clare Houston, Donegal ETB; Maria Clarke, Business Studies Teacher, Finn Valley College; Nuala McCool, Home School Liaison teacher, Gairmscoil Chú Uladh, Béal an Átha Móir and Michael Margey, Head of School, Department of Business, LYIT. Absent from photo is Dr Martin Gormley, Director of Schools, Donegal ETB.
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 design business in 2015, followed by the opening of her boutique, Sequin Cinderella, in 2016.
She has a combined social media following on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube and LinkedIn of over 50,000 followers and will share her wealth of entrepreneurial experience with the students.
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.”
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