Young Enterprise recently marked the achievements of budding entrepreneurs from Lisburn, who the charity has supported through its business start-up programme this year, as Northern Ireland prepares to be named European Entrepreneurial Region for 2015/16.

Invest Northern Ireland supported the event where 650 young entrepreneurs crammed into Titanic Belfast to be honoured at Celebrate Success 2015.

The charity has worked with young people from Friends’ School, Wallace High School, Glenlola Collegiate and Park View Special School this year in a particularly successful year for the area.
The Friends’ School company ‘ActiKids’ created a children’s activity book and, building on the success of their launch event at the Lisburn Waterstones store, were named Company of the Year for the South East Area. The six companies started by Wallace High School students were also recognised for their achievements through their work with the charity.

Park View Special School’s company named ‘Chalkie-Woccy-Doo-Dah’ sold a range of chalkboard items including plaques, mugs and other gifts. The company received their certificate of recognition while Park View student Junior Rooney was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the South East Area.

Speaking at the event, Education Minister John O’Dowd praised the achievements of the young entrepreneurs in developing skills that will benefit them in life and work. He said: “Young people of today are the leaders and innovators of tomorrow and we need to equip them with the right skills and knowledge for them to succeed in life and work. In order to build a vibrant economy, we need to ensure that young people are encouraged not just to follow traditional paths but those that may lead to exciting new career paths, such as starting a new business".

Stephen Wightman of Invest Northern Ireland also commented: “Entrepreneurship is core to any growing economy and it is important that we inspire our young people through the world of business and provide them with the skills and confidence they need to pursue their ambition. Invest NI believes that young people have a huge role to play in developing the successful businesses of the future. Innovative new business start-ups are an important source of wealth creation and employment.”

Young Enterprise Northern Ireland is part funded by the Department of Education with support from the business sector. For more information about Young Enterprise and to see how you can get involved visit yeni.co.uk.

Pictured: Friends School’s ‘ActiKids’ receive their Company of the Year Award from Education Minister John O’Dowd.