Record Number of Enterprising Teenagers 'Getting Down To Business'

A record-breaking number of schools have signed up to the Fingal Student Enterprise Programme this year, enabling more students than ever to set up and run their own student enterprises. Nineteen secondary schools and ten primary schools from all over Fingal are taking part in the programme, which will involve over 1800 budding entrepreneurs between now and the County Finals in March.

Co-ordinated by the Fingal County Enterprise Board, the programme runs from September to May every year, encouraging students to research and manage their own enterprise, with support from business mentors. County Dublin VEC and Fingal County Council are once again supporting the programme, which is now in its eleventh year.

The most innovative enterprises from each participating school will be invited to compete at the County Finals on March 16th 2012, with the category winners taking their place at the National Student Enterprise Awards in Croke Park in April. Last year, over 15,000 students from around the country competed in the National Programme.

The countdown to the Fingal County Final in March 2012 was officially launched in Swords by Oisin Geoghegan, C.E.O. of Fingal County Enterprise Board, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire and Martin MacEntee from County Dublin VEC.

Oisin Geoghegan said: "Fingal runs one of the largest student enterprise programmes in Ireland, with a record-breaking number of schools participating this year."

He added: "By working in close partnership with schools, the local business community and our sponsors at County Dublin V.E.C and Fingal County Council, we are creating a long-lasting enterprising culture in classrooms, giving students a greater understanding of the small business world."

Students from two participating local schools took part in the official countdown, including representatives from Luttrellstown Community College in Dublin 15 and Donabate Community College from the north of the county.

Further information about the Fingal Student Enterprise Programme for primary and secondary schools is available by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by visiting www.studententerprise.ie .