Monday, 20 October 2025
AIB NI Partners with Young Enterprise NI to Empower Future Entrepreneurs AIB NI has announced a new partnership with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial education and commercial awareness among young people across the region. This collaboration will support two of Young Enterprise NI’s key programmes, reaching schoolchildren at both primary and post-primary […]
AIB NI has announced a new partnership with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial education and commercial awareness among young people across the region. This collaboration will support two of Young Enterprise NI’s key programmes, reaching schoolchildren at both primary and post-primary levels throughout Northern Ireland.
Through this partnership, AIB NI will support:
Our World: Delivered to 10–11 year-olds in primary schools, this programme helps students explore local and global trade, while building teamwork, creativity, and a focus on sustainability.
Project Business: Aimed at 13–15 year-olds in post-primary schools, this programme deepens students’ understanding of business, economics, and sustainability, preparing them for future careers or entrepreneurial pursuits.
These initiatives are designed to give young people an early and practical understanding of the modern business landscape, while promoting responsible decision-making and environmental awareness.
A standout feature of both programmes is the direct involvement of business volunteers, including AIB NI colleagues, who bring real-life insights into the classroom. Their participation helps students connect academic learning with real-world business challenges, offering an authentic experience of enterprise in action.
As businesses worldwide adapt to climate change and environmental concerns, sustainability is becoming a central pillar of enterprise education. Programmes like Our World and Project Business don’t just teach profit and loss, they embed environmental awareness, encouraging students to consider the impact of business decisions and sustainability training on the planet.
This mirrors global shifts in how entrepreneurship is defined, not just by innovation and income, but also by social and ecological responsibility. Introducing these concepts early helps students become future leaders who prioritise both prosperity and the planet.
The partnership between AIB NI and Young Enterprise NI also plays an important role in supporting regional development across Northern Ireland. As economic opportunity continues to vary by location, initiatives like this help ensure that students in both urban and rural communities are equally equipped to explore future careers in business.
Carol Fitzsimons MBE, CEO of Young Enterprise NI, welcomed the partnership:
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome AIB NI as a programme partner. Their commitment to supporting young people at this crucial stage in their education and fostering entrepreneurial skills aligns perfectly with our mission. This partnership marks a significant step forward in preparing young people for success in a global economy, while promoting sustainability and responsible business practices.”
She added:
“We live in a rapidly changing world that places evolving demands on our young people as they enter the world of work or take steps into their own journey as an entrepreneur. Together, we can ensure that more students across Northern Ireland are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in this environment.”
Donna Armstrong, Head of Consumer Support Services at AIB NI, echoed this sentiment:
“AIB NI is proud to support Young Enterprise NI’s work in inspiring the next generation of business leaders and employees. We are so excited to join our colleagues as we go into schools over the coming months. By investing in enterprise education at both primary and post-primary levels, we are helping to build a brighter, more sustainable future for our communities.”
A unique strength of this partnership lies in its integration of industry professionals into the classroom. AIB NI staff volunteering as mentors and facilitators allows students to hear directly from those working in finance and business, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
This hands-on model not only enhances the credibility of the learning experience, but also exposes students to a wider range of career paths, including roles in sustainability-focused business, social enterprise, and ethical finance. It reflects a growing trend toward experiential learning as a driver of student engagement and real-world skill development.
This collaboration between AIB NI and Young Enterprise NI underscores a shared commitment to preparing young people for a dynamic and responsible future in business. By bringing practical business education into classrooms and supporting young learners across Northern Ireland, this partnership is helping to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
This partnership also aligns with wider UK and Northern Ireland government strategies that call for:
Increased green skills development in the youth population
Stronger employer engagement in education
Sustainable growth through innovation and entrepreneurship
As climate action and economic competitiveness become intertwined, this collaboration provides a living example of how public, private, and nonprofit sectors can work together to prepare students for a future shaped by change.
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