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

2009/2010 West Cork Programme Events

• Tuesday 3rd November 2009: Conference Day, The Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery
• Thursday 4th March 2010: West Cork Finals, The Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery
• Tuesday 27th April 2010: National Finals, Croke Park, Dublin www.studententerprise.ie

2009/2010 West Cork Participating Schools

• Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty
• Community College, Clonakilty
• Mount St. Michael, Rosscarbery
• Maria Immaculata Community College, Dunmanway
• Ardscoil Phobal Bheanntrai, Bantry
• Schull Community College, Schull
• Beara Community School, Castletownbere

Want more information on the Programme?

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

Programme Co-Ordinator: Jackie Gowran Tel: 023-8834700; Email: jackiegowran@eircom.net

• Cork Student Enterprise Website: www.corkschoolsenterprise.com

• National Student Enterprise Website: www.studententerprise.ie