The Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens has attended an Enterprise Awareness Session for students from both Ballycastle High School and Cross and Passion College.
The workshop, held on Tuesday 18th February was the final part of a series of workshops held throughout the Borough. These workshops aimed to promote enterprise awareness among young people, with the final session kindly hosted by Ballycastle High School.
Since November 2024, over 300 students aged 16+ have taken part in events in Limavady, Coleraine, and Ballycastle, delivered by Young Enterprise NI and sponsored by Go Succeed.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Tanya Stirling said: “I was delighted to attend the ‘Business Pitching’ challenge workshops in Ballycastle. I was really interested to hear the innovative ideas from entrepreneurs of the future.
“I wish these students every success as they progress through their chosen education path, and I am sure many of the students I met today will be to start their own businesses.”
Each workshop featured a business challenge, encouraging students to create innovative solutions in response to a local issue, before pitching their ideas to their peers, teachers, and facilitators.
The interactive workshops provided students with the opportunity to explore key business concepts. Through engaging activities, pupils worked in teams to develop their own business ideas, applying principles such as business ideation and the business model canvas.
Local entrepreneurs (Elaine O Hara - Oh Papi, Gemma Caldwell - CeCe's Bakes and Rosemary McCormick - McCormick Contracts) also joined the workshops to share valuable insights into the realities of running a business, offering inspiration and also answering students’ questions.
The impact of these events has been significant, with students gaining:
- A greater awareness of entrepreneurship as a viable career path
- A deeper understanding of key business concepts and their applications
- Enhanced teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills
- Increased confidence in their ability to develop and present ideas
Natalie Hamilton, Area Manager (North West) of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland said: “We are thrilled to have worked with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to bring these workshops to life, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of enterprise in the Borough!”
To find out more about the work of Young Enterprise NI and how you could become involved in inspiring and supporting future entrepreneurs, please visit https://yeni.co.uk/
Go Succeed is delivered by Northern Ireland’s eleven councils and is funded by UK Government. The service is dedicated to fostering economic growth and supporting the local business community, through one-to-one mentoring, masterclasses and resources. To join a masterclass, please visit www.go-succeed.com/events
Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Tanya Stirling, pictured with Ian Williamson, Ballycastle High School Principal, Natalie Hamilton, Young Enterprise and pupils from Ballycastle High School and Cross & Passion College at the Enterprise Awareness event held in Ballycastle on Tuesday 18th February 2025.
Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Tanya Stirling, pictured with Ian Williamson, Ballycastle High School Principal, Natalie Hamilton, Young Enterprise, Joanne McLaughlin, Council Economic Development Officer, Brett Parke, Ballycastle High School and Bryony McMullan, Cross & Passion College.
Pupils from Ballycastle High School and Cross & Passion College pictured at the Enterprise Awareness event held in Ballycastle on Tuesday 18th February 2025.
Pupils from Ballycastle High School pictured at the Enterprise Awareness event held in Ballycastle on Tuesday 18th February 2025.
Pupils from Ballycastle High School pictured at the Enterprise Awareness event held in Ballycastle on Tuesday 18th February 2025.
Pupils from Ballycastle High School pictured at the Enterprise Awareness event held in Ballycastle on Tuesday 18th February 2025.
Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Tanya Stirling pictured with Ian Williamson, Ballycastle High School Principal, at the Enterprise Awareness event held in Ballycastle on Tuesday 18th February 2025.