Kildare students set for Student Enterprise Programme National Final

Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office has announced that teenage entrepreneurs from Salesian College Celbridge will represent Kildare at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Final on Thursday May 8.

The students participated in the County Final on February 27, held at the Killashee Hotel, Naas. A total of 125 students from 14 schools took part in the annual programme.

The team, named ‘Medieval Mayhem’, consists of Emmett Villing (Financial and Assistant Marketing Manager), Kyerin Hunter (Managing Director), Charlie Kavanagh (Artist and Marketing Manager) and Henley Chacko (Production Manager).

Supported by their teacher Michael Greene, they impressed the judges with their self-illustrated and strategy-based card game.

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The enterprise education initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country, saw over 28,000 students take part in 2024/2025.

The programme supports students in creating, designing, and marketing their own businesses, all with the hope of reaching the National Final.

Special guests at the Kildare Final included the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Kevin Duffy, Cllr Seamie Moore, Cllr Bill Clear, Cllr Anne Breen and Naoise Ó Cearúil TD.

Speaking at the county final, Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Economic Development and Tourism, Kildare County Council said: “Today we celebrate an incredible milestone in your entrepreneurial journey. You have taken a bold step forward, not just as students, but as entrepreneurs ready to make your mark on the world.

“You are stepping into a world that needs your creativity, your passion, and your vision. Believe in your ideas, believe in yourself, and never stop learning.”

The Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Kevin Duffy, also extended his congratulations, saying: “Over 28,000 second level students join us and take up the challenge every year. And this year you have stepped up to the challenge.

“Entrepreneurship is not just about building businesses; it’s about solving problems, creating value, and shaping the future. Each one of you has identified a challenge, seen an opportunity, and dared to create something new. That mindset – the courage to innovate – is what will set you apart.”

The local students will be competing for the title of ‘Student Enterprise of the Year’ against hundreds of other student entrepreneurs from all over Ireland at the Student Enterprise Programme National Final, taking place in the Mullingar Park Hotel on May 8 2025.

Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, over 400,000 students have taken part, learning key skills on how to develop a business idea and how to start and grow that idea into a flourishing business.

Further information about the programme, registration for the 2025-26 academic year and access to a range of online resources available to students and teachers can be found on the website at www.StudentEnterprise.ie