The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), which was taken over by Foróige in Ireland in 2008, is now a core part of the Foróige programme offering. NFTE is committed to changing the lives of young people from low-income communities by enabling them to develop their business, academic and life skills. Young people take part in the programme because they want to learn new skills and enhance their entrepreneurial flair that just might result in a lucrative business one day. The programme exposes them to environments and experiences that they otherwise may not have a chance to encounter.

 

So, how does it work?
NFTE operates both in and out of school programmes and runs for an academic school year starting in September and finishing in May. It is delivered in schools and youth centres by teachers & youth workers who are specially trained to deliver the NFTE programme. Participants range in age from 13 – 18.

During the NFTE programme students study all aspects of starting and successfully running a business, covering a 40 hour curriculum which includes:

• Idea Generation & Feasibility
• Goal Setting
• Sales & Customer Service Skills
• Marketing & Advertising
• Financial Management & Book Keeping
• Presentation & Communication Skills
• Business Etiquette & Social Responsibility

Students also;

• Receive a seed grant to start their business
• Visit wholesalers to buy their business supplies
• Engage with entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, business executives, community leaders
• Visit local & national companies
• Work with business & corporate mentors
• Sell their products at the NFTE Class Trade Fair
• Prepare and present their business plan to a panel of judges
• NFTE students graduate in April at the All Island Youth Entrepreneurship Awards
  
  

If you know young people who would benefit from the programme check out www.nfte.ie
or contact the NFTE Ireland office on (01) 700 7439