Schools' Entrepreneurial Programme - Explore Carrick on Suir

WHAT Is the journey of an idea?

Explore Carrick-on-Suir, in partnership with LEO Tipperary’s Student Enterprise Programme, is proud to introduce The Journey of an Idea—a five-year initiative for all secondary school students in Carrick-on-Suir. Launched on 7th October with an empowering Ideas Seminar, this programme will inspire students to transform their ideas into real-life actions. Whether it’s a business, a community initiative, or a project to enhance local vibrancy, this programme guides students through every stage, from concept creation to taking the first steps in making their ideas a reality.

Our mission is to inspire youth to think creatively and act boldly for the betterment of Carrick-on-Suir and beyond. This initiative is not only about entrepreneurship but about fostering the drive to make meaningful contributions to the community. Students will learn how to spark ideas, transform them into action, and see the potential of their contributions in shaping a thriving and vibrant town.

Fantastic Event at the Student Entrepreneurial Program Networking Breakfast!

Friday morning at Comeragh College, we were inspired by the energy, creativity, and innovation of the students who participated in our event sharing their entrepreneurial ideas and community initiatives.

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

A big shoutout to Comeragh College especially Daragh, Kathleen, Kevin and the students for hosting us so expertly and creating a warm, engaging space for this important event. You knocked it out of the park!

Thank you to Ronan Guilfoyle – Edmund Rice Secondary School and Catherine from Social Mhuire.

A huge special thank you goes to Danny Nugent Hurley Repair aged 14 who wowed us all with his brilliant business presentation. All the creatives at CC Photography who captured the event and the team from Carrick Escape Rooms and Daily Dose of Carrick-on-Suir. All student initiatives are an incredible example of what this program is all about!

We’re already counting down the days to the next networking breakfast and can’t wait to see more amazing ideas from these bright young minds.

WEBINAR 2 - "LITTLE TALKS" WITH Tammy Darcy, Shona Project

Tammy Darcy is a visionary social entrepreneur and the founder of The Shona Project, a multi-award-winning initiative dedicated to inspiring and empowering young women across Ireland. Motivated by her own journey of overcoming adversity, Tammy has created a powerful platform to foster resilience, self-confidence, and collaboration among girls facing challenges.

Under Tammy’s leadership, The Shona Project has reached over 35,000 students through workshops, distributed 120,000 copies of its Survival Handbook, and engages with a massive audience of 250,000 people online every month. Her flagship event, Shine Festival, has drawn over 75,000 attendees and earned prestigious accolades like the Gold IMRO Award for excellence in youth engagement.

Tammy’s commitment to making a difference has been recognized internationally. She is an Obama Foundation Leader, a European Citizens’ Prize recipient, and was named Irish Tatler’s Woman of the Year for Social Enterprise in 2024. Today, she continues to inspire with her message of hope, resilience, and the importance of creating opportunities for others.

WEBINAR 1 - "LITTLE TALKS" WITH Teresanne O'Reilly

Teresanne is an accomplished entrepreneur, business owner, and creative force behind The Forest Website Design & Brand Strategy.

With a background in media and a passion for design, she combines her expertise to create beautiful, impactful & successful results.

Teresanne’s entrepreneurial spirit and diverse experience make her an inspiring voice in the business & entrepreneurial community. We look forward to her sharing valuable insights that will help shape the journey of your idea.

Launch of The Journey of an idea : October 7, 2024

On 7th October 2024, Comeragh College in Carrick-on-Suir became a hub of innovation with the launch of The Journey of an Idea, a dynamic student entrepreneurial programme aimed at inspiring young minds to think creatively and drive change in their community.

Explore Carrick-on-Suir and LEO Tipperary organised the event, packed with energy as students eagerly embraced the opportunity to shape their futures.

Highlights of the day included talks from economist Jim Power on The Power of an Idea, Pat McInerney from SETU on the role of research in innovation, and entrepreneur Luke Currall, who encouraged students to combine creativity with business. Interactive Q&A sessions, brainstorming activities, and inspiring conversations, led by Kirsten Mate Maher of Beat102103 and Explore Carrick-on-Suir, kept students fully engaged.

A panel discussion featuring local entrepreneurs Lynne Geraghty (My Dress Boutique), Brian White (Lions Club), and Aideen Meany (Meanys Shoes) brought real-life entrepreneurial journeys into focus, emphasising the impact of local business on community growth.

The event saw strong support from local leaders, including members of Tipperary County Council, local councillors, and TDs, underscoring Carrick-on-Suir’s commitment to fostering youth-driven innovation.

Sarah Jane Cleary, Commercial and Tourism Manager of Explore Carrick-on-Suir, emphasized the programme’s goal of empowering students: “We believe in the boundless potential of young people like you to make a lasting impact on Carrick-on-Suir.”

Tina Mulhearne, LEO Business Advisor, announced the launch of the LEO Tipperary Student Enterprise Programme, expressing her excitement to support the next generation of entrepreneurs: “This programme nurtures creativity and ambition while contributing to our local economy.“

Tony Musiol, Director of Carrick-on-Suir Economic Development, echoed these sentiments: “The ideas planted today will grow into the successful enterprises of tomorrow.”

Students can now register their interest HERE, with a €5,000 annual bursary and a wealth of opportunities waiting for those ready to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

Launch of Explore Carrick-on-Suir Student Entrepreneurial Program - 'The Journey of the Idea" and the Tipperary LEO Student Enterprise program.

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

Photos by Anne Marie Magorrian

Empowering the Future of Carrick-on-Suir

Explore Carrick-on-Suir is a tourism and community initiative, supported by Carrick-on-Suir Economic Development, focused on showcasing the town and hinterlands as a wonderful place to visit, live, study, and work. This program is a testament to our belief in the power of youth to shape the future of our town through innovation and community-driven ideas.

€5,000 Annual Enterprise Bursary (2024-2029)

We are excited to announce the Enterprise Bursary—an annual €5,000 fund available from 2024 to 2029. Students from three local schools will have the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas to enhance tourism, town vibrancy, and attract visitors.

The enterprises that align best with the goals of Explore Carrick-on-Suir will be awarded the bursary to turn their ideas into a reality.

This is more than a competition; it’s a journey where you will explore the possibilities of transforming an idea from brainstorming to business, making a real difference in your community. We invite you to take part in this exciting venture, where your creativity and passion can help shape the future of Carrick-on-Suir.

Join us and discover the power of turning ideas into action!

Fill in the Registration Form

Download your Student Information Pack

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!

4. How Does It Work?

Webinars Every 2 Weeks! 🎥
Every two weeks, you’ll have access to webinars hosted by business and social entrepreneurs, creatives, and marketing experts. These sessions will give you pro tips on how to get started, market your idea, and succeed!
Student Networking Events 💬
Meet and connect with like-minded students across the region and learn how to bring your ideas to life! These networking sessions will give you the opportunity to collaborate and make valuable connections.
Interactive Support
Got a question? We’ve got answers! Submit your questions where we’ll tackle your concerns and share helpful tips with everyone.

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?

Download the Students Entrepreneurial Handbook now for all the tips, ideas, and guidance you’ll need to create something amazing. Your Resource Pack is designed to help you build ideas and concepts throughout the programme. Use it to track your progress, jot down inspiration, and refine your business plan.

PARENTS

We are excited to introduce The Journey of an Idea, a new entrepreneurial programme designed to inspire and support students in exploring and developing their own ideas for businesses or community initiatives. This programme aims to foster creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial spirit among students, helping them develop skills that will benefit both their personal growth and our community.

To learn more about the programme, you can visit our Home page and the Schools Entrepreneurial Programme page.

We have also created a Student Handbook to provide further details about the programme, its goals, and how students can get involved.

If you have any questions, you can check our FAQ page and use our Get in Touch form.

We encourage you to support your child’s involvement in this exciting opportunity and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit.

Stay tuned for updates, including our upcoming TikTok video, which will be shared with all the students soon!

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,

Sarah-Jane Cleary
Commercial & Tourism Manager
Explore Carrick-on-Suir
087 2129032

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