Young Entrepreneurs take over St George’s Market
Young Enterprise and Belfast City Council came together to give Northern Ireland’s young entrepreneurs their biggest ever sales platform at St George’s Market.
The Big Market hosted more than 60 businesses, all started by young people aged between 10 and 25 years. On the day more than 700 young people descended on St George’s Market to set up shop and sell their products to the public. Popular food traders from St George’s Market offered a bite to eat while singer Ellie McCreanor and the choir from Glenwood Primary School provided live entertainment.
Young Enterprise Chief Executive Carol Fitzsimons commented “Each year Young Enterprise supports more than 3,500 young people to start businesses across Northern Ireland. The Big Market gives these young people a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in trading in a live market environment, whilst developing their skills and confidence for a successful future in life and in work.”
We’d like to thank everyone in the city centre and beyond who showed their support for these young people by calling in to get a glimpse into the future of entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland and see the work of Young Enterprise first hand.”
On the day, each company had the chance to impress a group of judges, who had the tough job of deciding who would be crowned Best Overall Company, amongst other awards. Ewan Boyle, Director at JohnstonCampbell, commented “I just loved being part of the day. I found the young folk inspirational and a joy to be around. To see their enthusiasm and catch a glimpse of their passion for their products was infectious. I was so impressed with some of the responses, with many showing a real grasp of business and what it means to be entrepreneurial. To anyone who is thinking of getting involved, stop thinking and act. We need to nurture, encourage, support and inspire this next generation.”
After much deliberation, the award for Best Overall Company was presented to Lisneal College and their company ‘Keepsakes’, who were selling handcrafted, ceramic Christmas decorations and Christmas cards.
We were lucky to have Junior Ministers Emma Pengelly & Jennifer McCann attend The Big Market. See what they had to say here.
Photos from The Big Market are available to view here.