Cullybackey students win top NI business award with seed venture

Students from Sead the Season at Cullybackey College celebrating being named ‘Company of the Year’ at the annual Young Enterprise NI Awards held in Belfast City Hall.

Students from Cullybackey College have secured one of Northern Ireland’s top young enterprise honours after their student-run business was crowned ‘Company of the Year’ at a major awards ceremony in Belfast.

The team behind Seed the Season impressed judges with a sustainability-focused business supplying seasonal seed kits to local communities and schools, earning them the top accolade at the Young Enterprise NI Awards in Belfast City Hall.

Sustainability-focused idea takes top prize

Seed the Season has built a product range centred on growing and environmental awareness, including seed bombs and Christmas tree growing kits designed to make planting accessible and engaging.

Their approach combined commercial thinking with a clear environmental message, helping them stand out among six finalist teams competing for the overall title.

Project reaches into local classrooms

A key part of the business was the Little Grow Project, which saw the team deliver colourful ‘bloom boxes’ to local primary schools.

The initiative encouraged younger children to plant seeds while learning about pollination and biodiversity, extending the company’s impact beyond sales into education and community engagement.

Judges highlight creativity and real-world impact

Young Enterprise NI Chief Executive Carol Fitzsimons MBE said the winning team demonstrated exactly what the programme aims to achieve.

“Seed the Season is a fantastic example of what young people across Northern Ireland can achieve when given the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

“The team identified a clear market need and responded with creativity, strong branding and a real commitment to sustainability and community impact.

“Our Company Programme is about much more than starting a business – it’s about building confidence, teamwork and real-world skills that will benefit these young people in whatever path they choose next. We’re incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished and wish them the very best as they go on to represent Northern Ireland at the UK final.”

Students set sights on UK and European stage

The win now propels the Cullybackey team onto a larger stage, with a place secured at the UK final in Cardiff this June.

They will also have the opportunity to qualify for the Young Enterprise European Company of the Year final in Latvia in July, placing them among the top young entrepreneurs across the continent.

Team reflects on ‘amazing achievement’

Students from Sead the Season at Cullybackey College celebrating being named ‘Company of the Year’ at the annual Young Enterprise NI Awards held in Belfast City Hall.

Catherine Gillan, Managing Director of Seed the Season, said the recognition marked a major milestone for the group.

“Winning Company of the Year is an amazing achievement for our whole team. From the beginning, we wanted to create a business that would not only be successful but also make a positive impact in our community.

“We’ve learned so much through the programme – from teamwork and communication to problem-solving and resilience – and we’re excited to take everything we’ve gained into the next stage of the competition.”

Strong competition across Northern Ireland

The awards showcased a wide range of student innovation, with runners-up Emotion Commotion from Fivemiletown College recognised for a card game focused on mental health.

Special recognition awards were also presented to several teams, including Kabloom from Limavady Grammar School for branding, Looped from Glenlola Collegiate for sustainability, Fair Play from Strathearn School for profitability, and Root & Rise from Lurgan College for teamwork.

Programme highlights future business talent

Jonathan Williamson, Chief Operating Officer at EY, lead sponsor of the awards, said the competition reflects the strength of emerging talent across Northern Ireland.

“We are proud to support the Young Enterprise NI Awards and to celebrate the ambition, creativity and resilience demonstrated by students across Northern Ireland.

“These young people are developing vital skills in leadership, innovation and problem-solving that will serve them well in the future world of work.”

Education partners underline long-term impact

Queen’s University Belfast, lead educational partner for the programme, said the initiative continues to prepare young people for future careers.

Professor Julie McCandless said:

“The creativity, innovation and commitment demonstrated by this year’s finalists highlight the strength of entrepreneurial talent coming through Northern Ireland’s schools.”

Additional winners recognised across programmes

Elsewhere, Park School in Belfast won the Team Programme award, while Print Stand from Northern Regional College in Ballymena was named Company of the Year in the Start Up Programme.

Individual performance awards were presented to students from Armagh, Dungannon and Derry, while a primary school team from Newtownabbey received the Danske Bank Sustainability Award.

Young Enterprise is a business education charity funded primarily by the business community, helping young people across Northern Ireland develop the skills needed for the world of work.

Further information on the organisation and how to support its programmes is available at www.yeni.co.uk.

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At a glance

• Cullybackey College students win ‘Company of the Year’ at Young Enterprise NI Awards

• Their business Seed the Season focuses on sustainable seed-based products

• Initiative includes school outreach project promoting biodiversity

• Victory secures place at UK final in Cardiff this June

• Team could progress to European final in Latvia

• Six finalist teams competed for the top award

• Awards held at Belfast City Hall with major business sponsors