Final year business students are being encouraged to reveal their entrepreneurial flair as the University of Ulster Business School opens entries for this year’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in partnership with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce (NICC).

The award is a Postgraduate Bursary up to the value of £9,000 which includes a mentoring programme, giving students the opportunity to boost their futures with a cutting edge Ulster Business School Masters Programme, while also meeting with a mentor from a Northern Ireland business for six months. In addition, the winning student will gain essential business skills such as networking techniques, presentation skills and management styles, not to mention learning the responsibility of arranging and preparing their own mentor meetings while gaining an appreciation of entrepreneurial spirit.

Pauric McGowan, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Ulster Business School and Chair of the Judging Panel said, “As part of the Ulster Business School’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of the Northern Ireland economy, this award helps to raise the profile of entrepreneurship and increases the incentive for enterprise amongst our students. The current highly challenging environment has highlighted that future growth and prosperity will be greatly enhanced by nurturing the entrepreneurial flair and talent of our graduates. By partnering with NICC, the Ulster Business School is providing our entrepreneurs of the future with invaluable experience, and a unique opportunity to acquire and develop the key skills required to succeed.”

Oonagh O’Reilly, Business Development Director, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce said, “NI Chamber of Commerce believes that in order to grow the private sector in Northern Ireland, young entrepreneurs need encouragement and support. With this in mind we are delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Ulster in order to promote the vast array of business talent, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation we have in Northern Ireland. The award will provide the winning student with a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, visit successful businesses and learn how to be an innovative businessperson as they take the first steps towards their own successful enterprise.”

Applications will comprise a 500 word essay outlining why the applicant deserves to win the Award and should be submitted by 30th April 2014. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in May and the winner will be announced in June with the selected course of study beginning in September 2014.