Kildare LEO launches TY Enterprise Programme

KILDARE County Council’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO) have announced the opening of registration for the Kildare Student Enterprise Programme for the academic year 2025/26, a programme that promises new additions to the competition.

For over 20 years, the Student Enterprise Programme has been a staple on the secondary school calendar in Kildare, encouraging second level schools across the county to participate.

Nationally, over 28,000 students will set up and run a mini enterprise during the year.

The programme complements the business studies curriculum at both junior and senior levels, offering students a rewarding experience and the freedom to fully develop their business concepts.

Transition Year students will learn how to create and run their own business, acquiring key skills such as ideation, marketing, finance and sales. 

The programme is run through the network of LEOs, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, with local coordinators in every area to support teachers and students. This initiative helps foster entrepreneurship in students and equips them with essential skills for their future careers.

“This year, we plan to bring in industry experts from Kildare to work with our aspiring entrenreneurs, and to inspire them to really consider entrepreneurship as a future career,” said Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, Kildare County Council.

Entrepreneurship is important for students since it builds real world skills of leadership and collaboration, which are helpful and important in a variety of fields. Today's students are tomorrow's leaders, or in this case, tomorrow's entrepreneurs.” 

Last year Students from Salesian College, Celbridge made it to the National Finals with their product, Medieval Mayhem.

The team consisted of Emmett Villing, Kyerin Hunter, Charlie Kavanagh and Henley Chacko, supported by their teacher Michael Greene.