Young entrepreneurs take on EW2022 business challenge

It's been a packed week of activity for local businesses as Enterprise Week 2022 celebrated ten years of supporting local companies with a wide range of workshops, talks and networking opportunities across a number of local venues.

The next generation of budding entrepreneurs were also busy, as they took on the Young Enterprise NI International Business Challenge Competition, recognizing and celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week. Young Enterprise is a leading employability and financial education charity empowering young people across the UK.

Over 300 local primary school pupils took on the challenge of becoming product designers for global company 'Worldwise Marketing' tasked with creating a new innovative product for the nearby nation 'Snowglobe'. The pupils worked in groups to come up with their idea and build their marketing plan, product name, pricing and branding.

There was some serious competition for the top prize which was scooped by Nazareth House Primary School, whose Snow-Fabulous creation wowed the judging panel. Hot on their heels were Sacred Heart Primary School with the Blizzard Board, who were very worthy runners up.

Congratulating the winners, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, said it was fantastic to see young people engaging with business at primary school. "New talent is essential to any thriving economy and it's fantastic to see local primary schools encouraging children to be business aware and engaged at such a young age.

"Inspiring the next generation is so important when it comes to creating that spirit of entrepreneurship that will keep our talent here in our city, and encourage them to invest their skills and creativity locally.

"I was so impressed at the standard of entries in the competition. We have some extremely insightful and innovative young people who are already thinking ahead when it comes to creating new enterprises. I think we can say that the future is in safe hands."

The winners were announced at a special online event today and will receive a £100 for first place, and a £50 voucher for second place.