• Entrepreneurs Joanne Lavelle, the Mo Chara team, Adam Murray of Biddo’s Street Food, and Andrine Mendez of GoPlugable shared valuable business insights at the launch event.

• The Student Inc. Programme is a dynamic start-up incubator aimed at helping students turn their business ideas into successful ventures, offering access to essential resources, expert mentorship, and €4,000 in funding.

The Student Inc. team at Dundalk Institute of Technology recently brought together a host of local entrepreneurs to discuss their business experience and highlight the opportunities available through the Student Inc. programme. Student Inc. was set up to encourage student entrepreneurs to assess the feasibility of their business ideas and start a business in a safe and nurturing environment. The programme provides students with seed funding of €4,000 and access to a network of entrepreneurs, trainers, mentors and investors.

A panel of entrepreneurs including local businessmen and women and past pupils of DkIT joined together to discuss their entrepreneurship journeys and explore the possibilities that taking part in Student Inc. could provide for students.

Lavina McGahon, Enterprise Development Programme Manager at DkIT said:

“The Student Inc. programme is a fantastic initiative, which supports students to learn about entrepreneurship and be rewarded with a €4000 stipend, training and networking to start a business. Student Inc. offers our students a fantastic opportunity to become business owners. Our own student interns are doing a brilliant job of promoting Student Inc. to the DkIT campus and their efforts were evident in today’s fantastic Entrepreneurship Masterclass with local start-ups and business owners.”

The speakers included; Paul Kelly, Vincent Mulligan and Cillian Mulligan from Dundalk pub Mo Chara; Joanne Lavelle from Lavelle Auctioneers & Estate Agents; Andrine Mendez from GoPlugable; and Adam Murray from Biddo’s Street Food.

Andrine Mendez, author, entrepreneur & Marketing Lecturer and a past pupil of DkIT, kicked off the event by launching his new book ‘How to Start a Business with (Almost) No Money.’ He also discussed his entrepreneurial journey to-date including his personal journey with electric vehicles which was a driving force behind his vision for GoPlugable which strives to ensure that EV charging is accessible and user-friendly.

Speaking at the event Andrine said:

“Returning to DkIT to launch my book feels like coming full circle. This is where I honed my skills, challenged my ideas, and ultimately built the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey. Writing ‘How to Start a Business with (Almost) No Money’ was my way of sharing everything I’ve learned—the wins, the failures, and the reality of starting a business with little to no resources. I hope this book inspires students to take that first step, knowing that you don’t need deep pockets to build something meaningful.

Programmes like Student Inc. were not around when I started, but I wish they were. Having access to mentorship, funding, and a structured path to entrepreneurship makes a huge difference. If you’re a student with a business idea, now is the best time to explore it. I hope this book and my journey encourage more students at DkIT to take the leap.”

The audience then heard from a number of local entrepreneurs who shared their business advice and how they have navigated their entrepreneurial journeys. Joanne Lavelle, Director at Michael Lavelle Estate Agents spoke about how being an entrepreneur is a state of mind, the importance of constantly evolving, being agile and innovating, seizing every opportunity and giving your energy wisely.

Past pupil of DkIT Adam Murray shared valuable insights, revealing that academic success doesn't always translate to business success. He recounted his entrepreneurial journey, building Biddo’s Street Food from a young age, and the challenges he faced along the way to make it a success.

Paul, Vincent and Cillian, the team behind Dundalk pub Mo Chara shared how their idea to start a brewery began in the second year of their studies at DkIT and how they have developed their now infamous Mo’s Lager across 150 accounts in Ireland and recently broken into the market in London. The team also shared their insights into the success of their Dundalk establishment and the importance of focusing on knowing your USP and constantly watching the shift in consumer desires to stay on top.

The event was organised by DkIT students Leila Alaou and Kshitiz Mittal.

Leila Alaou, Student Entrepreneurship Intern said:

"This event was all about creating opportunities—connecting students with experienced entrepreneurs who have been in their shoes. Whether you're curious about entrepreneurship or already have a business idea, this event provides a chance to gain real-world insights, build meaningful connections, and discover how the Student Inc. Programme can help turn your vision into reality. With great food, inspiring conversations, and invaluable networking, it’s an event you won’t want to miss!"

Student Inc. offers 5 paid places for DkIT students to develop their business. The programme will run through Summer 25.  Close out for applications is 31st of March. The Student Inc. programme runs across 9 colleges nationally to promote student entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Student Inc