JUNIOR ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMME (JEP)

Aspire Technology proudly sponsor the Junior Entrepreneur Programme in Co. Wicklow.

This unique programme is open to fifth and sixth class pupils around most counties in Ireland (www.juniorentrepreneur.ie).

The purpose of the award-winning programme is for a class to turn an idea into a business.

It’s a 10-20 week programme and JEP provide all the necessary collateral to run the programme in the classroom. The programme brings entrepreneurship education into the classroom which is something different from the current primary school curriculum.

2016/2017 school year is the third year Aspire will sponsor the programme within Wicklow and we hope to have even more schools sign up to the exciting initiative.

In 2015/2016 school year, 9 classes around Co. Wicklow took part in the programme and Aspire certified nearly 250 pupils as junior entrepreneurs.

The main event took place in Roundwood town hall on Tuesday the 31st of May were the young Wicklow entrepreneurs came together to showcase the businesses they created.
With a DJ playing in the background and a number of counsellors and local entrepreneurs attending it, everyone had a wonderful and fun morning.

At the showcase, it was obvious how the programme not only helped the students build mini-companies but also helped develop a number of new personal development skills and provide them with an insight into career options in the future.

The projects on the show were – Bandz 4 hands, Spectacular smoothie recipe book, Sweet treats, Crazy candles, Siopa na Lochanna and The random rainbow board-game.

Due to detailed research and brilliant entrepreneurial minds, all businesses made a profit. One business made a profit of €1650 and they gave €1000 to Crumlin hospital; each student took €10 and spent the rest on pizzas.

Quotes from teachers on the show-case day

“Just wanted to say thanks again for the day yesterday, the kids had a ball.”

“Thanks to you all for a great day today. The children had a brilliant time and it was great to see all the other projects.”