Christmas Mini Companies

Each year, our partner schools St Brigid’s and St Ita’s take an entrepreneurial approach to learning through their Mini-Company projects, also known as the Student Enterprise Project, a student-run initiative that turns the classroom into a small, thriving business. Students design, produce, and sell locally sourced, handcrafted Christmas and festive decorations, bringing creativity and community spirit into the school as the holidays approach.

From the very start, the students take the lead. They choose their company name and logo, develop a business plan, and divide into teams such as Finance Managers, Marketing and Social Media Managers, Production and QC Managers. Each role allows them to go to their strengths while learning how to collaborate, problem-solve, and communicate effectively. Everyone also contributes to crafting the products, from festive cards to Christmas tree ornaments.

This project directly supports the students’ QQI learning outcomes in Communication Skills, Customer Service, and Mathematics. Whether calculating profit and loss, planning a social media campaign, or meeting customers in the community, they see how classroom learning becomes real, practical, and meaningful.

As Olive Byrne, who coordinates the project at St Brigid’s, explains, “Students collaborate to plan, create, execute, and review a real-life business project. The programme encourages them to recognise and showcase their individual strengths and talents, allowing each student to contribute in meaningful ways. Each September, I start with a little trepidation about the challenges ahead, but every year the students amaze me—not just with their skills and the quality of their work, but with how they grow in confidence, take responsibility, and come together as a team to make their business a success.”

Throughout the project, Careers and Employment Facilitators (CEFs) work closely with the school to help broaden the students’ reach and visibility. This involves organising communication, coordinating logistics, and supporting the promotion of the mini company within the wider community. By linking with local businesses and professionals, WALK PEER creates opportunities for students to gain experience and share their work beyond the school.

As St Brigid’s School reflects, “The support that WALK PEER gives to our students is phenomenal. It explores the students’ strengths and learning priorities and supports them in focusing on further education and employment options after school. It opens so many opportunities and links for them with local businesses and training centres. Our facilitator works closely with class teachers and the work undertaken lends itself so well to our school leavers' programme including our Student Enterprise Project.”

Another CEF adds, “It is a great day when students could meet the public in venues such as shopping centres and showcase the results of their hard work. Each student has an area of expertise, with some excelling in customer engagement while others are responsible for pricing and operating the till.”

With that growing confidence, the collaboration extends to preparing students for radio interviews, facilitating press features, and securing public venues where the products can be sold. With this combined support, students step into these spaces with confidence and pride as they represent their business and their work.

This is the essence of WALK PEER. We support, we facilitate, and we connect. Transition is more than the next step. It is built through experience, shared achievement, and the moments when creativity and community spark something new.