Students to converge on Brandon for YEP Boot Camp
SOME 600 school students from across Kerry and Munster will descend on Tralee on Friday to take part in the annual Young Entrepreneur Programme Business Boot Camp at Tralee's Brandon Hotel.
The event will see some of Ireland's best-known business names including Tralee native Daragh Murphy of internet tshirt company Hairy Baby provide the students with some tip tips on how to get ahead in business.
The half-day event hosted by Colette Fitzpatrick of TV3 will also hear from Oliver Heffernan of Glór Fodds, the inventor of "the best product since sellotape" Jane Ní Dhulchaointigh, and David Bobbett of H&K International one of the world's leading suppliers of stainless steel goods for the food industry.
The business experts will discuss their experiences starting and running their businesses and providing hints and tips to the students and business mentors taking part in the 2012 YEP.
YEP, which is now in its fifth year, is an initiative developed by Tralee Institute of Technology, Shannon Development and businessman Jerry Kennelly of Tweak.com. It's aimed at 15-23 year old students in second and third level schools from Kerry and Munster.
The programme requires students to identify a business idea and develop a business plan.
Students develop their business plans under the guidance of their teachers and business mentors.
At Friday's event students who are taking part in the programme will pitch their business ideas to the experts on stage.
The contest culminates in an awards ceremony on May 3, where the Young Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced.
