Offaly’s youngest entrepreneurs recognised at Most Enterprising Student Awards

Primary school students from around Offaly have been rewarded for their business endeavours by the Local Enterprise Office Offaly as part of its "Most Enterprising Student" initiative.

The Local Enterprise Office in Offaly County Council runs an annual Most Enterprising Student Programme which offers primary schools throughout the county the opportunity to nominate their Most Enterprising Student (or group of students). It offers schools a chance to give recognition to a student who has set up and run their own business. Many of the schools who entered the competition held an “Enterprise Day” where the students designed, made and sold their products. The school then chose their winner from all the students who participated. This often proved very difficult as the wealth of business talent was exceptional.

The awards were presented at a ceremony in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Tuesday 25th April by Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Frank Moran.

Cllr. Moran praised the students and their teachers and parents for all the hard work that went in preparing for the awards day. He encouraged the students to think about entering the Student Enterprise Programme when they get to second level.

Mary McIntyre, from the Local Enterprise Office told the students how delighted she was to meet Offaly’s next generation of entrepreneurs. She said she was very impressed with the products, displays and business skills. She reminded them that through the Most Enterprising Student Initiative, they would have learnt so much including: Confidence, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication.

The children who were nominated had the opportunity to display their products at the awards ceremony and also to sell on the day. A lot of business was done with many stands completely selling out! Some examples of the businesses run by students include free range eggs, home baking and handmade gifts.

Each school nominee was presented with a prize pack including a €50 book token and framed certificate.

This year 13 schools entered the competition and nominated their Most Enterprising Student or students.