NFTE Donegal’s role in shaping the future in a Dragon's Den style competition

Donegal is fostering the next generation of business leaders through the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Donegal, an initiative run by Foróige Donegal.

The programme equips young people across the county with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to thrive in entrepreneurship.

The NFTE was founded in 1987 by Steve Mariotti, a former New York City public school teacher. Mariotti discovered that teaching entrepreneurship could be a powerful way to engage young people, particularly those from underserved communities, by giving them the skills and confidence to build their own businesses. His vision was that by learning how to start and run a business, students could gain a sense of control over their futures, develop essential life skills, and break cycles of poverty.

Rihanna Reynolds - R.R.R. - Coláiste Colmchille, Ballyshannon

Since its inception, NFTE has expanded globally, reaching over a million young people across the US, Europe, Asia, and beyond. The programme teaches entrepreneurship through hands-on learning, mentorship, and business competitions, equipping students with financial literacy, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

In Ireland, NFTE is managed by Foróige, the national youth development organisation. The programme has been successfully implemented in schools and youth organisations, including in Donegal, where it plays a key role in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among young people. NFTE Donegal connects students with local business leaders, providing mentorship and opportunities to develop real-world business ideas.

NFTE Donegal works with schools and youth organisations to introduce students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship - idea generation, business planning, financial literacy, and pitching. Through interactive learning, mentorship, and real-world business challenges, young participants develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Kira McLaughlin - Cozy Quills - Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana

“NFTE Donegal is more than just a programme - it’s a launchpad for young entrepreneurs from a wide range of backgrounds across the county,” said Jane McLean, NFTE Programme Officer at Foróige.

“We’re giving students the confidence, skills, and opportunity to turn their ideas into real businesses. Entrepreneurship education isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about fostering creativity, resilience, innovation, and problem-solving. The skills obtained by the participants will benefit young people in any career path.”

One of NFTE Donegal’s key strengths is its networking aspect. The programme connects students with local business leaders and mentors who provide guidance and insights into what goes into the development and running of a successful business. These connections help bridge the gap between education and real-world business experience, ensuring that Donegal’s young entrepreneurs are prepared for the challenges of the future marketplace.

Several past participants have transformed their NFTE projects into real businesses, ranging from handmade crafts to tech startups. Their success highlights the potential of entrepreneurship education to create future job opportunities and boost the local economy.

Sasha Kolesnyk - Slans - St. Columba's College, Stranorlar.

“Investing in youth entrepreneurship means investing in the future of our local economy,” said Garry Martin, Director of Service, Donegal County Council. “These students are the business leaders of tomorrow. It’s inspiring to see the next generation of entrepreneurs emerging from Donegal. NFTE is creating real opportunities, and we’re proud to support it.”

By fostering entrepreneurship at a young age, NFTE Donegal is contributing to a culture of innovation, creativity, and self-employment in the county. This initiative aligns with broader economic development strategies, ensuring that Donegal remains a vibrant hub for business and creativity.

NFTE Donegal continues to grow, with increasing involvement from educators, businesses, and community leaders. By nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, the programme is helping to build a stronger, more innovative local economy.

NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Regional Finals are underway. Young people will pitch the business ideas they have been working on since last September to a panel of guest judges in a Dragon's Den style competition. There will be seven Donegal NFTE Regional Finals in three different categories.

The business category and innovation category competitions will take place in the Co-Lab, ATU, Letterkenny and in the Inishowen Innovation Centre, Buncrana. The Social Enterprise Category Competitions will take place in the DLDC Social Enterprise HUB in Letterkenny.

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ETB and DEIS Schools from all over Donegal from Aranmore Island to Ballyshannon and Carndonagh are involved in the Programme each year.

NFTE Guest Judges 2025 from the following: Donegal ETB; er Lingus; ATU; RTE Television; Donegal County Council; Foroige; DLDC; Bank of Ireland; Prudential Finance; Fenero Financial; DS Environmental Services; No Barriers Foundation; BrandCanvas; Forward Emphasis; Skylark Control.