Final year business students are being encouraged to reveal their entrepreneurial flair as the Ulster University Business School opens entries for this year’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.
The award, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is a Postgraduate Bursary up to the value of £9,000 which includes a mentoring programme, giving students the opportunity to boost their futures with a Ulster University Business School Masters Programme, while also meeting with a mentor from a business for six months.
In addition, the winning student will gain essential business skills, such as networking techniques, presentation skills and management styles, not to mention learning the responsibility of arranging and preparing their own mentor meetings while gaining an appreciation of entrepreneurial spirit.
Pauric McGowan, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Ulster University Business School and chair of the judging panel, said: “Entrepreneurial spirit is that energy, determination, vision, belief and courage that people have in varying degrees to challenge the status quo, to seek new ways to act that adds value to people’s lives; that makes a real difference in societies, economies or markets.
“This scheme aims to act as an incentive to our students to maximise their talents and nurture their entrepreneurial flair. The partnership with NI Chamber further enhances the scheme by providing our students with invaluable experience and a unique opportunity to acquire and develop the key skills required to succeed.”
Ann McGregor, chief executive of NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “NI Chamber is delighted to be working in partnership with the Ulster University Business School in order to promote the vast array of business talent, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that we have in Northern Ireland.
“Northern Ireland’s entrepreneurs will sustain our economies, whether these are film makers, micro brewers, bus and coach manufacturers, or medical technology specialists. We therefore must improve the business culture by creating the next generation of entrepreneurs who will take risks, start up new ventures, and create local jobs.”
Applications will comprise a 500 word essay outlining why the applicant deserves to win and should be submitted by April 30. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in May and the winner will be announced in June, with the selected course of study beginning in September.