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

2010/2011 West Cork Programme Events

• 9th November 2010 at the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery, Conference Day "Leaders on our Level".
• 22nd February 2011: Deadline date for submission of ALL business reports for the West Cork Finals
• 8th March 2011: West Cork Finals
• 24th March 2011: Deadline date for the winning team to submit to the National Finals  
• 14th April 2011: National Finals, Croke Park, Dublin

2010/2011 West Cork Participating Schools

• Ardscoil Phobail Bantry, Bantry
• Bandon Grammar, Bandon
• Beara Community School, Castletownbere
• Clonakilty Community College, Clonakilty
• Maria Immaculata Community College, Dunmanway
• Mercy Heights Secondary School, Skibbereen
• Mount St. Michael, Rosscarbery
• Rossa College, Skibbereen  
• Schull Community College, Schull

2010/2011 Photos

Want more information on the Programme?

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

2010/2011 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