b'Being in business as a young person is brilliant.NFTE taught me how to ship my product overseasandworkwithcompaniesthatcanhelpme distribute. Ilearned how to get my product shownall around Ireland and even in Canada. Everyonehas ideas, you just need the initiative to get up andput them out there. Make them come true.YouthEntrepreneur of the Year: Amyage 17an NFTE participant whois now marketing customizable earmuffs and pillows with built-in headphones. A total of 1,500 participants from low income communities set up 850 businesses as part of this yearsNFTE entrepreneurship programme.SINCE 2006 , The Ireland Funds have supported these in-school Not all student business ideas come to full fruition, but there areand youth center programs. From September to May teachers can clear benefits gained simply by going through the NFTE program.attend NFTE University where all aspects of establishing and Participants in these programs have shown an increase in collegerunning a small business are taught. Teachers are then certified to attendance rates and in some cases the programs have been the teach the program in schools to students. inception for successful businesses run by young people, many Students receive entrepreneurship training through training, of whom are from disadvantaged areas. Research from Harvardguestspeakers,hands-onproductdevelopment,classroomUniversity has shown participants: mentors and field trips to local companies. NFTE is active in 10Career aspirations increased 44%countries and each year, the NFTE international chapters convergeInterest in attending college increased 32%on NYC for the Dare to Dream Awards ceremony where the bestStudents business knowledge increased business ideas are presented head-to-head with other youngby 20 times vs. control grouppeople from around the world. To date, over 500,000 young Leadership behavior increased 13.2%people have received NFTE education around the world.Belief that attaining ones goals is within ones control significantly increasedWeve been working with The Ireland Funds over the lastNever before has entrepreneurship education been more importantthan it is today. I believe that every young person in Ireland should four years. Were hugely grateful because it is changinghave enterprise education as part of their learning and development.young peoples lives. The Grant Round has helped usProgrammes like NFTE are vital for encouraging young people reach over 3,000 young people and train over 100 addi-to establish small indigenous businesses, which ultimately is what oureconomyneedstoclimboutofthisrecession an NFTEtional educators. The Grant Round has also helped usBusiness Mentor develop our curriculum across all of Ireland, North andSouth. Not only have The Ireland Funds given us money,theyve given us their time.Maria Doherty, NFTE Program Manager connect2013 | 37'