In partnership with OtterBox, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Cork City, is delighted to announce that the grand prize for the winner of the Local Enterprise Office Student Enterprise City final in 2023 will include an all-expenses paid trip to Colorado State University College of Business in the Summer of 2023 for the winners and their teacher. This will allow the participants the opportunity to develop their business idea further.

Since 2003, the Cork City Student Enterprise Programme begins each year in September with a student induction held where students from across the secondary schools located within the Cork City boundaries are invited to participate. Student’s across the participating schools take part in idea generation exercises, they produce their products and deliver their services and market their business. LEO Cork City organise a number of events during the calendar year which include:

  • A Student Induction Day, held in September,
  • MD’s day in collaboration with Otterbox, held in October,
  • Christmas Market,
  • Business Plan writing workshop held in January and concludes in March with
    a Cork City final.

The Cork City finalist, will represent the LEO, Cork City at the National Final which is held in May each year. OtterBox have been a supporter of the LEO Cork City’s Student Enterprise Programme for a number of years, they have hosted the MD’s day over the last number of years and feature as a judge annually. Cork based, Claire Lyons, OtterBox suggested the prize believing the talent in Cork City deserved an extra special local prize for 2023. Following this experience they will have a greater understanding of how to create a better business world, engage with local and global business executives, help them develop leadership skills and of course experience the best of Colorado. 

Dr Niall O’Keeffe, Head of Enterprise, says:

We are extremely proud of the Student Enterprise Programme here in Cork City, with over 20 schools and 800 students from around the city participating, we are delighted to offer such a rewarding prize. Year on year we see the entrepreneurial talent here in Cork City, are delighted to have such an amazing prize for what is one of the highlights of our calendar year.

Barrie Collins, MD of OtterBox commented:

We are delighted to be part of a programme to support Entrepreneurship in children. It is close to the owners’ hearts and it also provides energy and excitement into our organisation and team.

To take part in this amazing opportunity, eligible schools within Cork City, must complete their school registration forms to take part. For more information on how to register for the Student Enterprise Programme in Cork City please go to the
Studententerprise.ie or email [email protected]. It is advised that any interested schools act soon as the induction day takes place on September 20th and registration for 2022/2023 closes on Wednesday September 14th at 5pm.


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