-      Judging panel includes Paddy Andrews and Martina Fitzgerald, with entrepreneur Sylvia Kennedy as guest speaker

-      Programme in partnership with TU Dublin GrowthHub, Inner City Enterprise, Open Doors Initiative, Dogpatch Labs, and Avolon

Dublin | 30 May 2025: The NEIC (North East Inner City) Start Up Entrepreneurship programme held the graduation ceremony for its 2025 programme at a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style event today at the HQ of aircraft lessor Avolon.

Participants pitched their new business ideas to a panel of dragons including former Dublin GAA Football player Paddy Andrews, and Scale Ireland CEO Martina Fitzgerald. Guest speaker was Sylvia Kennedy who shared the entrepreneurial journey of setting up her award-winning baking business Treats by Sylvia.

The 10-week programme provides the opportunity for young people aged between 18-30 to develop their business idea and build their competencies as an entrepreneur. The programme covered areas that enable participants to develop a robust and workable new venture plan. Business ideas planned by the graduates included the hire and repair of sustainable e-scooters, AI-powered predictive energy management, and blockchain-based cybersecurity software solutions.

The programme was created in a partnership that included: the NEIC Initiative, TU Dublin Growth Hub, Inner City Enterprise, Open Doors Initiative, Dogpatch Labs, and Avolon.

Jim Gavin, Chairperson of the Programme Implementation Board for the NEIC Initiative, commented: “As outlined in our Strategic Plan, we are committed to maximising educational, training and employment opportunities. Through NEIC Start Up, we empower young people to explore self-employment, unlocking business ideas and building a brighter future for the NEIC Community.”

Tom Cooney, Professor of Entrepreneurship at TU Dublin, commented: “The NEIC Start Up Programme is a powerful example of how TU Dublin and our community partners are unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of young people in Dublin’s inner city. Through expert-led workshops and mentorship, we are helping participants turn ambition into action and build brighter futures.”

Fionn Crowley, Chair of Avolon’s CARE Committee, commented: “The programme is an initiative we’re proud to support and provides participants with tangible skills to succeed as they look to take the brave step of launching their business idea. Avolon started its life 15 years ago and has grown to be one of the world’s leading lessors, and we welcome the opportunity to celebrate this group of young people on their entrepreneurship journey.”

ENDS

Contacts:

·         NEIC:Olivia Brody, NEIC Programme Manager, obrody@dublincity,ie, 087-4083692

·         TU Dublin: Tom Cooney, Professor of Entrepreneurship, [email protected], 087-2940812

·         Avolon: Doug Keatinge, Head of Communications, Avolon, [email protected], 086-0374163