The Mayo Local Enterprise Office, in conjunction with Moy Valley Resources IRD and Junior Chambers International, Mayo, recently organised a Business Boot-Camp for second level students in Ballina. The four day boot-camp was designed to inform and educate students in a light hearted, fun, and realistic way on the ups and downs of creating a business enterprise.
The boot-camp began with students conducting market research which led to the creation of newly designed cards (both handcrafted and online ) for a specific occasion. Through research, pricing, and promotional activities students had to make the decision if the enterprise was a viable business concept with real world potential.
Students were later introduced to two business representatives who set a real world business project for each group. JCI members Adrian Corcoran from Attik Designs in Kiltimagh and Declan Nolan representing the Killala Social Economy Plan assigned project work to the individual groups and offered support and guidance to the students throughout the boot camp. The week culminated in each group delivering a professional PowerPoint presentation for the consideration of both the judging panel and each business representative.
Moy Valley Resources IRD staff delivered workshops on both finance and marketing in addition to information sessions on the importance of media planning, buying and placement, fundraising opportunities, and business planning. Students were mentored by the team over the four days providing them with a valuable insight into the commitment required to successfully start their own business enterprise. The best presentation award and overall winning group were the students who formed the RACLI enterprise who worked on a project for The Killala Social Economy Plan.The judging panel, including Elaine Moyles from The Mayo Local Enterprise Office and Billy Lewis CEO of Moy Valley Resources IRD, were highly impressed with the ambition, focus, and commitment displayed by the students and were in particular impressed with the professional presentations delivered by the students.
The boot-camp was sponsored by The Mayo Local Enterprise Office, Junior Chambers International Mayo, and Ballina Beverages. The Business Boot Camp is an initiative of the Mayo Local Enterprise Office to develop a wide range of personal and business attributes and skills which will hopefully be used to establish small businesses in Mayo in the future.
