Last week (Thursday 16^th November) Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council hosted over 120 students from post-primary schools across the borough at an ‘Entrepreneurial Masterclass’, as part of Enterprise Week in partnership with Young Enterprise NI.

The Council’s Labour Market Partnership (LMP) programme organised the event as part of the ‘Get Future Ready’ initiative. The event included over 20 business mentors who worked with the students on their business ideas, pitches, and fun competitions.

The young people in attendance heard from guest speakers such as Lauren Toal Marketing, Colin Capper from Rosemount Cottage Farm and Sinead Lunny from Vocalis. All the speakers gave an insight into how they started their businesses, as well as the successes and challenges they have met along the way.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Alderman Margaret Tinsley spoke at the event and commented:

“I am passionate about ensuring that the young people of our borough have opportunities to learn and grow as they develop their future career paths. As part of the Council’s Enterprise Week 2023 programme, it was vital that we included an event that targeted those who will be entering the workforce in the coming years. This Young Enterprise event offered ideas and inspiration, as well as advice and experience from participating businesses. The energy from everyone in the room was fantastic to experience!”

The students and business mentors were put into 15 teams and were tasked with creating a business idea and promotional branding.  They then had to pitch their idea to a Dragon’s Den style judging panel in just 60 seconds.

The winning pitch was ‘Parking Pal’, a helpful parking app that booked your parking space and found you empty spaces when you needed them in a hurry.

A student from Dromore High School, who was part of the winning team, said, “I really enjoyed working on the pitch as a team and brainstorming all our ideas. It has shown me that becoming an entrepreneur is possible”

Their business mentor, Sarah McKay from Concentrix, added: “I thought our team was great. Everyone had equal ideas, they all spoke up and had their opinion. Great teamwork!”

The Masterclass event is one part of the LMP  ‘Get Future Ready’ programme which is funded by The Department for Communities. To find out more about any of the employability and skills programmes available, contact