What is the Cork Schools Enterprise Programme?

The Cork Schools Enterprise Programme is an initiative that gives second level students the opportunity to set up and run their own business. Students are exposed to all the realities and challenges faced by entrepreneurs today. Working in teams, they are involved in every stage of the business development from market research and production to sales and marketing. The programme was set up in 2004 and is a joint venture of Cork City, South, North and West Cork Enterprise Boards. Creating an enterprise culture in Cork schools is a key objective of the four Enterprise Boards. It is hoped that through the Cork Schools Enterprise Programme many of the participating students will eventually opt for self-employment as a career choice. The West Cork Enterprise Board participates in the Senior Category of the Programme and this Category is for fourth year secondary school students. If a school does not have a fourth year, fifth years can also partake in the Programme.

Benefits of the Programme

• Students learn valuable business skills including finance, marketing, human resources, marketing and production
• Valuable exercise in team work
• Students gain real life, hands-on business experience, putting into practice what they learn in ‘Business Studies’
• Excellent preparation for professional life
• Students meet local entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences

2011/2012 West Cork Programme Events

• 11th October 2012 at the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery, Conference Day
• 2nd March 2012: West Cork Finals, West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen
• 18th April 2012: National Finals, Croke Park, Dublin

2011/2012 West Cork Participating Schools

Over 437 West Cork students from 10 West Cork schools are participating in the 2011/2012 programme

• 1. St. Brogan's, Bandon
• 2. Beara Community School, Castletownbere
• 3. Clonakilty Community College, Clonakilty
• 4. Maria Immaculata Community College, Dunmanway
• 5. Mercy Heights Secondary School, Skibbereen
• 6. Mount St. Michael, Rosscarbery
• 7. Rossa College, Skibbereen
• 8. Schull Community College, Schull
• 9. Bantry Secondary School, Bantry
• 10. Colaiste Na Toirbhirthe, Bandon

Want more information on the Programme?

Interested parents, teachers or students are welcome to contact us for further information.

2011/2012 West Cork Schools Programme Co-Ordinator: Christine Duggan/McCarthy

Tel: 087-9641729 / 028-23756 Email: christine@dmpr.ie

• Cork Student Enterprise Website: www.corkschoolsenterprise.com

• National Student Enterprise Website: www.studententerprise.ie