Student Companies Take Part In The Big Market

More than 90 student companies have taken part in The Big Market, a showcase event hosted by Belfast City Council and Young Enterprise.

Held at St George's Market, the event showcased a variety of products from a suicide awareness app and gluten-free recipe books to fruit-infused bottles and handmade decorations.

The Big Market was the first key showcase event for young people taking part in the Young Enterprise NI Company, Team, QuickStart and Business Beginnings Programmes.

The programmes develop employability skills, increase confidence and get young people to consider business start-up as a future career option. At The Big Market, the students had the chance to 'pitch to a pro', where they tested and received feedback on their business pitch from an entrepreneur.

Speaking at the event, Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston, said: "I'm delighted to open The Big Market and welcome schools from Belfast and across Northern Ireland to the city. This is an incredible opportunity for students to set up shop at St George's Market for a day to not only showcase their products and make money but also to develop key enterprise skills.

"The Council supports budding and existing entrepreneurs in the city with a number of business events and programmes each year. Our award-winning Belfast Enterprise Academy is one such example – helping third-level students in the city set up enterprises while studying. I want to wish all the students here today every success trading at The Big Market – they are our future entrepreneurs and business leaders."

Young Enterprise Chairman, Ciaran Sheehan, also said: "Each year Young Enterprise supports more than 3,500 young people start businesses across Northern Ireland. The Big Market is a fantastic opportunity for these young people 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 for showing their support for these young people by coming along to the market to get a glimpse into the future of entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland and see the work of Young Enterprise first hand."

Young Enterprise NI is supported by the Department of Education and donations from local businesses.

(MH/JP)