Over the past 6 weeks many discussions have taken place around the kitchen tables of Celbridge with a view to developing business ideas which might take off. Each boy brought his own idea in to class and 6 ideas were voted by the class as possible business ventures. These 6 ideas were further developed with the formation of 6 different groups who worked together to present their ideas to a group of Dragons. The budding entrepeneurs were helped along the way by local businessman and entrepreneur Matt Black owner of Halo Cafe in Celbridge. Matt spoke to the boys about life as an entrepreneur and how to run a successful business. Even at this early stage of the Junior Entrepreneur experience, the boys were able to relate to the advice and tips given by Matt.
A meet the Dragons event was held on Monday morning 19th of December. At this event the 6 groups presented their ideas using powerpoint presentations, samples of the products they proposed to sell aswell as a fully costed business plans. The standard of presentation was very high which made the dragons task very difficult. The 6 businesses being proposed were as follows; Bottle Flipping, Healthy Snacks, Milky Treats, Drawstring Bags, Splat Balls and Squash and Bounce Balls.
After much deliberation from the judges the Drawstring Bag business was deemed as the one that had the most potential to make money. Founded by Dara Flynn the company aims to sell Drawstring Bags to pupils throughout the school. All pupils in the class become part of the business from here on. Various roles within the company including marketing, finance, design and sales will be assigned in the new year and the boys will continue together on their entrepreneurial journey.
Sincere thanks must go to our dragons John Keegan of the Academy Barber, William Hanley of Supervalu in Clondalkin, Mrs Fleming our former Vice Principal and currrent Vice Principal Bn Uí Mhuirí. Their understanding of the project and the task in hand was commendable. Their patience and questionning of the boys who were understandibly nervous was much appreciated. It was a memorable morning for the boys and one which, similar to all stages of the Junior Entrepreneur Programme, will stand to them in the future.