A 15 year-old from Coolock in Dublin has secured an all expenses-paid trip to Washington DC after winning a hotly contested competition run by Foróige Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). Laura Greene, a 15-year-old Transition Year student from Colaiste Dhulaigh in Coolock, set up her business – ‘Laura’s Crystal Ware’ - customising hand-painted glassware. Laura has a love of all things craft related so was delighted to get the opportunity to combine her passion with a business.
Reacting to her win, Laura said: ''I can’t believe I’ve won - it’s been such a great experience setting up my own business. What started as me selling my designs to friends and family has led to my glassware being sold on Stena Line and Irish Ferries. I’m so excited!”
Seven other businesses reached the finals of the ‘International Business Plan’ competition which was judged by Tara O’Shea from Microsoft Ireland, Joe Redmond from Fexco, Kieran Guilfoyle from 3V and Pat Burke from Grant Thornton.
Laura will now represent Ireland at NFTE’s Annual Global Gala which celebrates the power of entrepreneurship education. Laura will get to meet young entrepreneurs from ten other countries when they attend the 20th annual ‘The Blueprint: 20 Years of Building Futures’ in Washington DC on April 24th.
