Northern Ireland’s enterprise support service Go Succeed, in partnership with Young Enterprise NI, has inspired over 2,500 young people to explore entrepreneurship and develop the skills needed to be among the next generation of business leaders.
The ‘Future Founders’ programme, delivered in partnership with all 11 councils across Northern Ireland and the region’s six further education colleges, was launched one year ago. Since then, it has engaged 2,583 students through a series of interactive workshops delivered across the region.
The programme was structured across three key sessions: an introduction to entrepreneurship, an Innovation Camp where students worked in teams to create a business idea and pitch it in a Dragons’ Den-style format, and an Entrepreneurship Hub where participants met and learned directly from local entrepreneurs, complementing their academic studies.
Alderman Thomas Gordon, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, which is leading the programme on behalf of Go Succeed, said:
“We are incredibly proud to deliver programmes like Future Founders, which give young people in Northern Ireland the confidence to explore entrepreneurship and consider launching their own businesses, knowing they have the support of initiatives like Go Succeed NI and Young Enterprise NI behind them.
“By providing young people with the tools, networks and confidence to explore enterprise, we are building the foundations for a stronger, more innovative economy across the region.”
Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Chief Executive, Young Enterprise NI, said:
“Over the past year, we have seen first-hand the creativity, confidence and potential that exists within young people across Northern Ireland. Future Founders has provided a platform for students to develop essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication, while also opening their eyes to the opportunities that entrepreneurship can offer.
“This programme is not just about creating future business owners – it’s about nurturing a generation of innovative thinkers and leaders who can make a meaningful impact within their communities and beyond. We are proud to work alongside Go Succeed and our partners to continue inspiring the next generation.”
Joanne McCourt, Principal Lecturer and Entrepreneurship Hub Manager for the FE Sector at Northern Regional College, added:
“The success of Future Founders over the past year highlights the importance of embedding entrepreneurship within further education. Our students have greatly benefitted from engaging directly with entrepreneurs, gaining practical insights and developing skills that will support them in their future careers.
“Programmes like this help to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that young people are not only inspired, but also equipped with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in an ever-evolving world of work.”
Future Founders took place in campuses across all six further education colleges in Northern Ireland: Belfast Metropolitan College, North West Regional College, Northern Regional College, South Eastern Regional College, South West College, and Southern Regional College.