FSB launches Future Students of Business scheme

The Federation of Small Businesses has today launched a new awards scheme to reward and encourage Further Education students to be the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

As part of its contribution to National Enterprise Week, FSB has launch its scheme called FSB – Future Students of Business, which will recognise 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, which was launched in partnership with the Association of Northern Ireland Colleges (ANIC), 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.

Commenting on the scheme, Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman said: “The FSB is literally putting its money where its mouth is by presenting the best business student who shows the best potential to be an entrepreneur of the future in each of the 16 FE colleges with a £300 cheque. We have also lent our name FSB to the scheme as well.

“It is also a key policy objective as contained in our own manifesto ‘Small Businesses Thinking Big’ that FE Colleges and Small Businesses have to work together to produce the entrepreneurs of tomorrow and to encourage self-employment as a real career option.”

John D’Arcy Chief Executive of ANIC added: ”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.”

The new scheme was launched today by Minister for Employment & Learning Barry Gardiner.

(MB)