After months of planning and brainstorming, Fifth and Sixth Class entered the Dragon’s Den on Wednesday last to pitch their ‘Mini-Company’ ideas for the Junior Entrepreneur Programme to the three ‘dragons’, Ms. Browne, Mrs. Dempsey and special guest ‘dragon’, Mr. Ray Lennihan from Bord na Móna.
Dragon’s Den comes to Kilberry N.S. in the form of the Junior Entrepreneur Programme!
Throughout the programme, the children have had to study how a business is founded, formed and run. All aspects of a business were examined and analysed, from product research and development to market research and advertising. The class were divided into groups and each group was given the opportunity to present their ideas to the ‘dragons’.
The first group on stage were Christopher, Damien and Dean with their company, Footy Football Kits. The boys had a great idea to create player and referee kits complete with gloves, gum shields and everything the busy footballer or referee might need.
Damien and Christopher pitch their ideas to the dragons!
After some tough questioning from the dragons, it was the turn of James, Cian and Julianna to pitch their idea to the group. Their ‘Healthy Helper’ idea was perfect for those trying to get active and healthy for the new year.
Cian works hard to win over the room!
Group three’s, Lee, Liam and Maeve’s Personalised Mugs impressed the judges. They had even made up some sample gifts to show the group!
Lee, Liam and Maeve wow the dragons with their personalised mugs and glasses!
4th to pitch to the dragons were Séamus, Ciarán and Emmet. Their idea of a Winter Bundle which would consist of bags with turf, logs and kindling was a great idea but special guest Ray Lennihan of Bord na Móna, appeared slightly concerned about the extra competition!!
Emmet, Séámus and Ciarán pitching their idea!
The 5th group in to the Dragon’s lair were Cora-Lee, Marcella, Emily and Megan. The girls’ product, Lumo Umo was a real hit with the dragons. The girls had come up with a fantastic idea of customising children and adults clothing and footwear with high visibility material which would enhance safety when out and about in Winter.
Lumo Umo High Visibility clothing was a great hit with the judges but they felt that the product would need more time than was allowed to complete.
Last but not least, Molly, Lila-Ann and Sarah presented their idea of Christmas Candles or coinneals. Their slogan was, Keep Calm and Light a Coinneal which went down very well in the hall. They had also brought in some sample products for the dragons to look at.
Keep Calm and Light a Coinneal!
At the end of the presentation, the dragons gave their feedback and Ray Lennihan complimented the students on the amount of work and effort that they had put into the project. It was then down to the class themselves to vote on which group’s idea would be turned into a mini company.
The children voted in favour of the Christmas Candles and the pressure is now on to create and sell their product so….
Keep Calm everybody and please buy a Coinneal!!
