Future green entrepreneurs shine

Four schoolgirls are set to head from Cork city to Colorado after winning a student enterprise awards.

Soil Bombs from Mount Mercy College won this year’s Otter Cares Global Business Academy prize for their enterprising and environmentally sustainable business.

The Cork City Student Enterprise Programme Regional Finals at UCC last month, highlighted the partnership between education and industry and the vital role of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship from an early age.

As part of the event, hosted by the Local Enterprise Office Cork City, the Otter Cares Global Business Academy prize, generously sponsored by OtterBox, was awarded. This prestigious prize includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the Global Business Academy in Colorado, USA, offering senior student entrepreneurs the chance to gain international business insights and inspiration.

Their presence highlights the value of industry engagement in encouraging students to develop confidence, problem-solving abilities and innovation skills, while celebrating the dedication and hard work of Cork city’s future business leaders.

“The Global Business Academy Prize rewards the talent of Cork City’s young innovators,” said Barrie Collins, Managing Director of OtterBox. “It was a privilege to attend the regional finals again this year and meet so many exceptionally talented students. The creativity, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit in the room was truly inspiring.”

Dr Niall O’Keeffe, Head of the Local Enterprise Office Cork City, added: “It’s wonderful to see students bringing their ideas to life and developing real-world business skills. Initiatives like the Otter Cares Global Business Academy Prize show how strong partnerships between industry and education can inspire innovation and confidence in the next generation of young entrepreneurs.”