The Young Entrepreneur Program has provided entrepreneurial education and mentoring to 2300 students since 2007. As a result of this initiative and its adult equivalent Endeavour, County Kerry has been recognized by the European Commission with the selection of a ‘European Entrepreneurial Region’ for 2011 alongside Brandenburg, Germany and Murcia, Spain.

The programme was established by the Institute of Technology Tralee, Shannon Development along with three business leaders, Jerry Kenneally, Jerry Clifford and Marie Lynch.

The Young Entrepreneur Programme is a unique opportunity to explore and develop the talents of all participants. It complements traditional learning by layering workshops, case studies and interaction with key business leaders on top of participants own ideas. This programme is a perfect model which showcases the result of educators, state bodies, entrepreneurs, private sector companies and individuals pooling their resources for the common good and to provide an enriching experience for all.

The Young Entrepreneur Programme is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to illustrating the validity of entrepreneurship as a career choice. Their mission is to help identify, inform, recognise and celebrate Kerry’s next generation of business leaders - and their educators.

Problema

To foster a culture of entrepreneurship among second and third level students in Kerry and surrounding areas and illustrate the validity of entrepreneurship as a career choice.

Solução

This is a unique programme which is the result of educators, state bodies, entrepreneurs, private sector and individuals pooling their resources for the common good and to provide an enriching experience for all participants. The Young Entrepreneur Programme provides creates connection between business, teachers and students not available in other entrepreneurship programmes.

Exemplo

The Young Entrepreneur Programme is a 6 month programme which compliments traditional learning by layering workshops, case studies and interaction with key business leaders on top of the participants own ideas. It aims to build confidence in the students potential to become entrepreneurs and start their own business. During the programme the students are taught how to develop a business plan and how to look at business models. By May 2012 3000 students will have graduated from the Young Entrepreneur Programme.

Ofertas e demandas

Currently the Young Entrepreneur Programme is the only significant programme of its type in Ireland and has become a standard on the curriculum of secondary schools in Kerry and Limerick. One in five students in Kerry study entrepreneurship, more than anywhere else in Ireland. The challenge will be scaling this programme and expanding to provide this opportunity to students across Ireland.