Sligo student's love for crochet has turned into a business
The event featured 24 youth-led businesses and over 120 young people who completed the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme.
Jack Packer, a student at Coláiste Iascaigh, Easkey, represented Sligo in the Best Business category with his enterprise, Knot Ur Average Craft - a crochet business that creates unique, colourful and custom pieces by hand. From bookmarks to plush animals, Jack's work blends creativity, self-expression and entrepreneurial flair.
'Crochet has always been something I love doing, and NFTE helped me realise I could actually turn it into a business,' said Jack. 'Being recognised on a national level really means the world.'
Finalists competed in Best Business, Best Innovation, and Best Social Enterprise, with awards given to the most outstanding projects in each. All participants, however, were recognised for their innovation, leadership and passion.
Odhrán O'Mahony, Chairperson of Foróige, commented: 'Year after year, NFTE proves just how powerful youth potential really is. The creativity, courage and commitment we've seen today is inspiring. Programmes like this don't just teach business skills—they help young people see themselves differently.
"They leave believing they have what it takes to shape their own future, and that belief is something they'll carry with them for life.'
Over 6,100 young people from 24 counties took part in this year's NFTE programme, supported by 260+ trained educators, youth workers and volunteers.
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