Since 2010, the Junior Entrepreneur Programme (or JEP) has given more than 50,000 primary school pupils on the island of Ireland the opportunity to experience practical, real-life business learning as part of their formative education.
Running over a 12 to 16 week period during the school year, JEP nurtures creativity, independence and problem-solving among pupils of all abilities, with every aspect of the Programme seamlessly blending into the primary school curriculum. JEP doesn’t interrupt your child’s education – it enhances it. And because it’s a not-for-profit initiative, it’s completely free of charge for all schools to participate in.
Under their teacher’s guidance, and with the inspiration of participating local entrepreneurs, your child and their classmates will discover their strengths as individuals and as part of a team. Together, they’ll choose, develop and produce their own product or service from scratch, all the way to making it available for sale at a school-hosted JEP Showcase Day. They’ll even be able to invest a small amount of their own money in their idea – and maybe even earn some profits.
REAL BUSINESS
Eleven and twelve year old children on JEP create REAL businesses and make real sales. They invest in their businesses and reap the profits.
50,000 ENTREPRENEURS
Since 2010, over 50,000 children have created their own classroom businesses with JEP – all over the island of Ireland and more recently in London, England.
INSPIRING CONFIDENCE
A JEP 2017 survey indicated that teachers saw improved confidence, team building, communications and independence in children who participated.
Preparing pupils for life
Mary Aspell, a 5th & 6th Class Teacher, at Scoil Naomh Uile, Moorneen, Cleggan, Co. Galway talks about preparing pupils for life.
Reinforces curriculum work
Deirdre Conneely, a 4th 5th & 6thClass Teacher at Lurga National School in Galway explains how JEP has reinforced subject learning in the classroom.
Appreciate local entrepreneurs
Pat Clifford, a 4th,5th & 6th Class Teacher at St. Joseph’s National School, Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry believes that JEP has allowed pupils to meet and understand the impat of local entrepreneurs in the community.
Eco-Sustainability in Wicklow
Lochlann Sweetman, Pupil, 6th Class, Scoil Caoimhìn Naofa, Wicklow. Lochlainn explains their business idea – Set Ablaze
Framing in Offlay
Molly Dunne, Pupil, 6th Class, Scoil Shinchill, Offlay. Molly describes their framing project – You Name it, We Frame It
Galway’s Handy Hats
Carla Ryan, Pupil, Lurga N.S., Galway. Carla gives us an insight into their business concept – HandyHats
Carlow’s Flashbandz
Julia Dempsey, Pupil, 5th Class Killeshin N.S., Carlow. Julia talks about their business and the production of the idea – Flashbandz
Dragons in Kerry
Oisin O’Regan & Darragh Donnely, Pupils, St Joseph’s N.S., Kerry. Oisin speaks about their project, which is a board game suited for all the family – Dragons Reign
Cleggan Dog Walkers
Amy Walsh, Pupil, Scoil na Naomh Uile, Galway. Amy explains the concept behind their project – Doggie Daycare
Offaly’s Bug Busting Bobbins
Rachel Bracken, Pupil, 6th Class, Scoil Bhríde, Offaly talks about their project – Bug Busting Bobbins
The Bayside Boothers
Sean Hughes, of Bayside National School, Verbena Ave, Dublin 13, talks about their photographic business, Bayside Photo Booth
Macroom’s GAA Player Cards
Rian Coughlan of St. Colman’s Boys National School, Macroom, Co. Cork explains their business – GAA player collector cards.
