Students Entrepreneurial Programme 2024-2025
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Young Entrepreneurs Shine at ‘The Journey of an Idea’ Finale 2025
The journey of an idea 2025 Awards showcase
Carrick-on-Suir came alive with energy and innovation on Friday, 16 May, as over 40 secondary school students presented their business concepts at the finale of The Journey of an Idea Student Entrepreneurial Programme, hosted at the Carraig Hotel.
Organised by Explore Carrick-on-Suir in partnership with local schools, the programme empowers students to develop entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills—while also nurturing pride in their town and its future.
With a €5,000 prize fund on offer, students impressed judges with ideas demonstrating innovation, feasibility, creativity, and community impact. Representing all three local secondary schools, participants pitched to a distinguished panel featuring economist Jim Power; AI and tech entrepreneur Geraldine Magnier; arts and culture coordinator Luke Currall; and Tina Mulhearne, Student Enterprise Officer with Tipperary County Council.
Winners on the Day:
1st Prize (€2,000): Danny Nugent Hurley Repairs – Danny Nugent’s sustainable, skill-based approach to sports equipment repair.
2nd Prize (€1,000): Jodie Bourke – Stylish handmade accessories business, combining flair and business instinct.
2nd Prize (€1,000): Traverse Carrick – Shea Foley, Rivers Briscoe, Leon Foley, and Eoin Ruane for their innovative tourism and trails app.
3rd Prize (€500): Declan Purvis – Affordable, professional graphic design services for small businesses.
3rd Prize (€500): Kevin Jones & Craig – A local photography venture showcasing strong storytelling and market potential.
Highly Commended – Outstanding Effort: Ruby Behan for her Re-turn Bins Initiative supporting River Rescue through recycling.
Highly Commended – Exceptional Presentation: Cody Heffernan & Jesse Ayo Vaughan for their creative Escape Room learning concept.
The morning included project showcases, student-judge Q&As, and certificates of participation for all students.
“This isn’t just about starting businesses,” said Sarah-Jane Cleary, Manager at Explore Carrick-on-Suir. “It’s about giving young people a voice, a platform, and the belief that their ideas matter. This initiative has inspired me deeply—we’re only getting started.”
Judge Geraldine Magnier, Co-Founder of Idiro Analytics and Businesswoman of the Year 22/23, reflected on her Carrick-on-Suir roots, encouraging students to trust their instincts and continue shaping the town’s future.
The Journey of an Idea is part of a five-year vision to grow youth entrepreneurship across the region—building community, confidence, and capacity, one idea at a time.
"This isn’t just about starting businesses. It’s about giving our young people a voice, a platform, and the belief that their ideas can shape our town’s future. This project has inspired me deeply, and we’re only just getting started.”
WHAT Is the journey of an idea?
The mission is to encourage creativity, bold action, and meaningful contributions for the betterment of Carrick-on-Suir and beyond. This programme isn’t just about entrepreneurship; it’s about recognising the value of ideas, transforming them into action, and showcasing their impact on shaping a vibrant and thriving community.
The programme offers a £25,000 bursary over five years, with £5,000 awarded annually to support student-led projects that enhance tourism, create vibrancy, and attract visitors to Carrick-on-Suir.
YOU'RE INVITED! NETWORKING BREAKFAST EVENT 2.0
We’re excited to invite you to our second Networking Breakfast Event, celebrating the entrepreneurial thinking of students taking part in “The Journey of an Idea”.
📅 Date: Thursday, 28th February
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Comeragh College, Carrick-on-Suir
This event is a fantastic opportunity to:
✅ Connect with fellow students, business owners, and community leaders.
✅ Gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs.
✅ Be inspired by real-world success stories.
These networking breakfasts are all about building connections and fostering entrepreneurship in our community. We’d love for you to be part of it!
Thank you for being part of this journey—we can’t wait to see you there!
Explore Carrick-on-Suir
Fantastic Event at the Student Entrepreneurial Program Networking Breakfast!
Massive thank you to every student who has signed up for this fantastic program — it’s not just good for the community; it’s great for the community! Students have the chance to get involved in a meaningful way, win cash prizes, and connect with local change-makers, business owners, and entrepreneurs.
We’d like to extend our gratitude to our esteemed guests who supported, encouraged and advised the students:
PJ Guinan – SuperValu
Adrian Cash – AIB Bank
Luke Currall – Entrepreneur
Pat McInerney – SETU
Brian White – Carrick on Suir Lions Club
Billy Walsh – Patrician Presentation Secondary School
Marie Cox – Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Manager
Shirley Holloway – Municipal District
Willie Morgan – Municipal District
Launch of The Journey of an idea : October 7, 2024
THE JOURNEY OF AN IDEA LIVESTREAM
Missed the event? You can still catch all the inspiration and insights from The Journey of an Idea seminar by watching the live stream! Hear from leading voices like Jim Power, Pat McInerney, and Luke Currall as they share their wisdom on creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Plus, don’t miss the engaging panel discussions and interactive sessions that got students buzzing with ideas.
Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or community member, this is your chance to tap into the energy and learn how to turn your ideas into action.
SEMINAR EVENT GALLERY
Empowering the Future of Carrick-on-Suir
€5,000 Annual Enterprise Bursary (2024-2029)
HOW TO GET STARTED
3. Check our our Frequently Asked Questions
STUDENT INFORMATION PACK
Welcome to
The Journey of an Idea
Ready to turn your ideas into reality?
Where creativity begins, community thrives.
Welcome to The Journey of an Idea!
This exciting new Student Entrepreneurial Programme is here to help you bring your innovative thoughts to life while having fun and competing with others from across Carrick-on-Suir! 💡
Explore ideas and guidance in this downloadable
Resource Pack
1. What’s This All About?
We’re on a mission to inspire you to think big, get creative, and showcase your entrepreneurial spirit! You’ll get guidance from business and social entrepreneurs, creatives, and marketing experts to help shape your ideas.
2. Who’s it for?
Every secondary school student in Carrick-on-Suir is invited to get involved—whether you’re in the junior, intermediate, or senior cycle!
3. What’s in it for you?
- Explore your creativity
- Learn real-world entrepreneurial skills
- Win cash prizes and spot prizes 💰
- Build a business that can make a difference in your community!
5. Sample Ideas to Get You Started 🚀
Stuck on what to do? Here are some creative ideas you can work on (no capital needed!):
- Freelance Social Media Management: Help local businesses boost their online presence.
- Digital Tour Guides: Use the Explore Carrick-on-Suir Quest Map to create fun, interactive tours for tourists.
- Community Storytelling Podcast: Share the unique history and stories of Carrick-on-Suir.
- Pop-Up Events: Plan local festivals, student open-mic nights, or themed tours!
- Content Creation: Manage social media or create blogs for local businesses or events.
6. What to Expect at the Launching Seminar 📅
We’re kicking off the programme with an exciting Launching Seminar on 7th October 2024!
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Inspiring talks from top business minds and creatives, including economist Jim Power.
- Interactive Q&A sessions that are fun, dynamic, and engaging with the audience!
- A chance to start shaping your business idea with real-time feedback!
- Breaks for networking and brainstorming with other students.
The seminar will be live-streamed and recorded, so everyone can be inspired by the event. Each school will send 10 Junior Cycle representatives, 10 Intermediate Cycle representatives, and 10 Senior Cycle representatives to participate live.
Seminar hosted by Kirsten Mate Maher: Explore Carrick-on-Suir Social Media and Marketing Executive, Beat 102103 Presenter, 2018 Crowned Rose of Tralee, Entrepreneur
7. How to Get Involved
We’re inviting all secondary school students in Carrick-on-Suir to get involved! Each school will have a dedicated liaison tutor to guide and support you throughout the programme.
8. Prizes 🎉
The programme offers cash prizes, spot prizes, and certificates for each school! 💸. You’ll also work with community leaders to bring your ideas to life.
- Junior Cycle Prize: €300 per year
- Intermediate Cycle Prize: €400 per year
- Senior Cycle Prize: €1000 per year
Gain valuable real-world experience, earn recognition for your innovative ideas, win awards, and make a lasting impact in your community and beyond!
9. Programme Schedule
Here’s the timeline of the events you’ll be involved in:
- October 2024 – Launching Seminar in partnership with LEO Tipperary Student Enterprise Programme 2024-2025
- November 2024 – Networking Events (beginning in November and running for the duration of the programme)
These networking events will provide opportunities for student-to-student, student-to-business, and student-to-organisation connections. You’ll also get to engage with town stakeholders, adding extra value to your experience!
- January 2025 – Presentation of Business Ideas
- April 2025 – Final Event and Awards Ceremony
Each step of the journey will help you refine your ideas, connect with mentors and stakeholders, and prepare for the final pitch!
10. Ready to Get Started?
PARENTS
