FSB Re-launch FE Student Bursary Scheme for Enterprise Week

14th November 2005

As part of National Enterprise Week, which starts today, the Federation of Small Businesses and Association of Northern Ireland Colleges (ANIC) has for the second year running launched the Future Students of Business scheme. The scheme which was launched last year by the Minister for Employment & Learning, recognises the best student from each of the 16 FE Colleges throughout Northern Ireland undertaking a business related course at level 3 (equivalent to A level) or above. The scheme is open to both full time and part time students and the winner from each college will be presented with a certificate and cheque for £300.

Wilfred Mitchell FSB Policy Chairman said:

“For the second year running the FSB is literally putting its money where its mouth is by presenting the best business student who shows the potential to be an entrepreneur of the future in each of the 16 FE colleges with a £300 cheque. Last years students who won the awards where of a very high standard and we hope to see this repeated for this year.

“We hope that the bursary will provide the student with a platform for progression in a business related discipline or in business environment and the opportunity to run their own small business in the future”

“The Future Students of Business is part of our contribution to National Enterprise Week and will clearly compliment Invest Northern Ireland’s on going “Go For It” campaign”

“Our five local branches where closely involved in this scheme and will be presenting the cheque to each winning student from their local FE College at an awards ceremony in the near future. We are delighted that this scheme has built further links with small business owners and students who show ability and display real talent to be the small business owner of tomorrow.”

John D’Arcy Chief Executive of ANIC said:

”ANIC is delighted to be working in partnership with FSB on the Future Students of Business Initiative and I would like to pay tribute to this significant investment in the Northern Ireland Further Education sector.

“Through this partnership, ANIC and FSB are showing their commitment to developing the skills which are needed to further economic development both locally and regionally. By engaging with local businesses, FE colleges are responding to the needs of industry in terms of skills provision, and a Northern Ireland wide initiative such as the FSB-Future Students of Business scheme underpins the collaborative advantage which both sectors can receive through closer co-operation.”

Commenting on Enterprise Week which starts today, Wilfred Mitchell went on to say

“Enterprise Week is about giving young people the confidence, skills and inspiration to turn their ideas into reality”

“Challenges and competitions in schools, awards for high achievers and talks for young people using the stories of existing small business owners can inspire young people of promise to go out and achieve in business and the community.”

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