Students across Carlow encouraged to take part in this year’s Student Enterprise Programme

Students across county Carlow are being encouraged to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit by taking part in this year’s Student Enterprise Programme, facilitated by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Carlow County Council.

The Student Enterprise Programme, one of LEO Carlow’s flagship initiatives, is funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered nationwide by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in partnership with local authorities.

READ NEXT: Carlow Gardaí collected nearly €300,000 in fines from speed detectors in last two years

Launching the 2025–2026 programme, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr. Daniel Pender, said:

“The Student Enterprise Programme is one of the most rewarding experiences a student can undertake during their time in secondary school. The skills developed—from generating business ideas and conducting research, to sales and marketing—are skills that will serve students for life. The ability to set up and run a business is an invaluable asset.”

Cllr. Pender, speaking as a young person himself, added:

“Entrepreneurial skills are essential for the future, and I am delighted that Carlow County Council continues to champion this national programme at local level.”

In 2025, Carlow celebrated outstanding student talent, with Coláiste Eoin Hacketstown students Cathal Cullen, Saoirse Tyrrell, Jessica Doyle, and Lilly Murphy crowned winners in the senior category for their artisan chocolate business.

The intermediate category was won by Tullow Community School students Katie Wilson and Julia Berezanska, creators of Lavenda, a mini-company producing lavender-based products.

Over 950 students from ten schools across County Carlow participated in last year’s programme. Beginning each September, students work with teachers and mentors to transform their ideas into real businesses, building their confidence, refining their sales skills, and pitching to judging panels.

READ NEXT: No sign of 'back to school weather' in Carlow as heavy showers on the way

Speaking about the programme, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with Carlow County Council, said:

“The Student Enterprise Programme is an exciting and rewarding opportunity that allows students to experience the real-world challenges and rewards of running a business while still in school.

“It offers a chance to explore entrepreneurship at an early age. I particularly encourage first-year students to get involved in the junior category to demystify the entrepreneurial process and learn how a simple idea can become a thriving business.”

Rose Dunne, Carlow’s Student Enterprise Programme Co-ordinator, highlighted the wider benefits of participation:

“The programme gives students a unique chance to take a project from concept through to a fully functioning business. Along the way, they develop teamwork, networking, problem-solving, critical thinking, innovation, and self-discipline.

“By engaging with real businesses and customers in their communities, students gain invaluable hands-on experience that is directly transferable to any future career path.”

The Student Enterprise Programme not only equips young people with commercial awareness and business skills, but also fosters a mindset of self-employment and innovation. It plays a vital role in nurturing Ireland’s next generation of entrepreneurs and contributes to building a stronger economy for the future.

For further information go to www.studententerprise.ie or contact the Local Enterprise Office on 059/9129783.