Representing NRC were Alana Weir, Jordan McQuillan and Megan McCoy who are studying a HND in Business at Magherafelt and Coleraine Campus.
Minister Farry commented: “These awards are an excellent opportunity for further education students to gain recognition for their business skills and their future potential for business success. Northern Ireland needs young entrepreneurs in order to drive our economy forward. Entrepreneurship is a highly sought after skill which demonstrates determination, a passion to succeed, overcoming barriers to progress and having the desire and vision to be on the cutting edge. I congratulate Colleges NI and the Federation of Small Businesses on this initiative which helps to highlight the value we place on these dynamic individuals.”
Gerry Campbell, Colleges NI Chief Executive, said: “I was delighted with the standard of applications this year which is a testament to the dedication, hard work and professionalism of the lecturers across our six regional FE colleges. The awards are testament to the excellent work in the sector in terms of fostering the spirit of enterprise and giving learners the skills they need to become the successful entrepreneurs of tomorrow. We had a strong judging panel with representatives from Colleges NI, FSB and an external representative who himself is a successful young entrepreneur who previously studied at one of our FE colleges. The judges’ described the winning business idea as ‘new to market’, ‘potential for going global’, ‘great financial understanding’, ‘a fabulous ideas and has identified a real gap in the market’”.
