Portlaoise business helps the paperclips

Portlaoise business played their part in helping third level students to hone their entrepenuerial skills.

Students form the joint GAA and UCD enterprise programme took part in the paperclip challenge last month. It challenges students to barter a paperclip for items of increasing value until the 3pm deadline using only personality, charm and persuasion.

The team with the the highest value item at 3pm would be victorious and receive half a dozen eggs each from course facilitator.

“We started off at Teagasc and our first trade was for a pen,” explained team Paperclippower Augustin, Barry, John and Maria.

After some deliberation their next stop was Anthem Music where Tom Byrne swapped the pen for two CDs.

Their next stop was the Dunamaise Theatre, where they bartered one CD for two tickets to that night’s show Jezebel. Banks hair and beauty traded the other C.D. for a €35 voucher, which went for a bracelet in Gerry Browne Jewellers. They exchanged that in 3 mobile for a phone worth worth €60. Their last stop was Laois Pharmacy, where they received a gift set.

“We want to thank everyone involved, especially the businesses we singled out. Without your support we couldn’t have won!” said the team.

“It’s amazing what can be achieved with support, good will and encouragement.” If you want to take part, follow us on twitter @paperclippower.

For more info on Rural Entrepreneurship, check out springboardscourses.ie.