Ulster Bank Hosts 'QuickPitch' Event For Young Entrepreneurs

Ulster Bank has hosted a 'QuickPitch' event for young entrepreneurs taking part in business start-up, QuickStart Programme.

With funding support from Ulster Bank's Skills and Opportunities Fund, the Young Enterprise QuickStart Programme has allowed 1,300 young people aged 12-16 to experience the real world of entrepreneurship alongside a volunteer business adviser.

At the event staged at Ulster Bank's Entrepreneurial Spark Hatchery in Belfast, video pitches created by the QuickStart companies were played to a panel of business experts.

Students from St Ronan's College Lurgan, St Patrick's College Banbridge, Lismore Comprehensive School, The High School Ballynahinch, and St Colm's High School attended the event. Belfast Hospital School and Belfast Model School for Girls also entered the competition.

The Hatchery, powered by Ulster Bank, opened in Lombard Street, Belfast in March. The exciting new space can play host to 80 businesses and early stage entrepreneurs. It is part of a major international movement to encourage and support start-up and scale-up businesses.

With a number of locations around the UK, Entrepreneurial Spark is the world's largest free business accelerator for early stage and growing ventures. Ulster Bank, along with RBS and NatWest, has partnered with Entrepreneurial Spark to bring its first Hatchery to Northern Ireland, giving local entrepreneurs the necessary resources to grow their ideas.

Students heard from Apprentice finalist Jim Eastwood, who talked about the importance of cultivating entrepreneurship skills from a young age, and sharing knowledge and ideas with other entrepreneurs.

Mr Eastwood said: "I have been so impressed and inspired by the young people I have met today – not only in terms of the hard work and enthusiasm they have put into starting their businesses, but also by their outstanding business acumen and commercial awareness.

"I have been working closely with Young Enterprise as an Ambassador for a number of years now and, time and time again, I have witnessed the hugely positive impact this amazing charity has on the lives of young people across Northern Ireland in equipping with the knowledge and skills to succeed and shine in the world of business."

For more information about Young Enterprise and to see how you can support and get involved visit yeni.co.uk.

(MH)