A UNIVERSITY of Ulster student has been named the winner of the inaugural Entrepreneurial Spirit award.
The winner, Ryan Nixon, from Ballynahinch, set up a Facebook campaign; Bullying by Social Networking Awareness (BSNA), to help victims of cyber bullying.
The award, developed by the University of Ulster Business School in partnership with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce (NICC), will give Ryan a bursary to cover the entire cost of studying his Master’s degree programme; an MSc in Business Development and Innovation . Through the NICC partnership he will also take part in a mentoring programme which includes support from a Northern Ireland business for six months.
In addition, he will gain essential business skills, such as networking techniques, presentation skills and management styles, while gaining an appreciation of entrepreneurial spirit.
Speaking on the merits of the award the chief executive of NICC, Ann McGregor,said: “From schools, colleges and universities to the workplace, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce believes that government should introduce measures that truly promote business start-ups, self employment, and enterprise growth as well as new incentives.”
Ryan set up the BSNA campaign in October 2012 as a response to the tragic YouTube video by Canadian student, Amanda Todd, who took her own life following her experience of on-line bullying.
Outlining his plans to develop the campaign, which already has 2,500 members Ryan said:
“In addition to being a support for victims I would like it to become a social enterprise which would continue to support and raise awareness of cyber bullying through school presentations, parent workshops, counselling services, a 24/7 helpline and merchandising. ”
The judges were impressed by Ryan’s commitment to develop the campaign as a social enterprise. Dr Laura Bradley, from the Ulster Business School at Magee explained:
“Ryan clearly reflected the characteristics of the entrepreneurial spirit award. He is determined to make a difference in a challenging area in the third sector by using his own experiences and knowledge. His engagement with the Masters programme will add to his business knowledge and skills which, combined with his own characteristics, should be a formula for success.”
It is a double celebration for Ryan as he has just achieved a 2:1 having successfully completed a BSc Hons degree in Management and Leadership Development.
Dean of the Ulster Business School, Professor Marie McHugh commented: “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.”