FSB Northern Ireland is excited to announce a partnership project with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, the UK’s leading enterprise and financial education charity. Young Enterprise NI provides young people, from all backgrounds, with opportunities to realise their full potential through a range of practical enterprise programmes, from one day masterclasses to year-long projects.
During the 2016/17 academic year, FSB will be sponsoring the Company programme Regional Trade Fairs, providing students aged 15-19 with a chance to sell their products that they have developed as part of their start-up businesses, gaining real-world experience of work and entrepreneurship. In partnership with a volunteer business adviser, students have the opportunity to explore the real world of business while growing their own skills, confidence and aspirations.
Having established their business plan and developed their product or service, participants in the Company programme have the opportunity to compete against other local schools through a series of Trade Fairs held across Northern Ireland. As well as testing their products in the market, each group will be assessed by a team of judges, with a local FSB representative making final awards to the overall winners.
Welcoming this new partnership, FSB NI Regional Chair, John Friel, said:
“I am delighted that we are supporting Young Enterprise in Northern Ireland throughout this year, particularly by funding this aspect of its work in the Company programme. Young Enterprise’s mission is to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to leave education prepared for life and work. We, in FSB, continue to encourage those providing education at every stage to ensure that enterprise and entrepreneurship are valued, and that young people are encouraged to consider self-employment or setting up their own business as a viable alternative to simply ‘getting a job’. I know our local representatives are looking forward to the Trade Fairs, and I wish all of the participants well in their preparations to enter the market.”
Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Chief Executive of the Young Enterprise charity, commented:
“We are delighted to be working with FSB and their members to support the students during the Regional Trade Fairs. Small businesses are the lifeblood of business across local communities in Northern Ireland, and it is important for students to meet real life local entrepreneurs and learn directly from them about the thrills and challenges of owning and running your own business. We are grateful for their financial and volunteering support.”
