The Small Business Game involves students running a virtual sports-shop and gives them the opportunity to develop enterprise skills in a virtual world. However, it is more than just a game as it will be closely linked to the Junior Cert curriculum. This means that teachers can utilise it to give students the opportunity to examine business concepts in a more realistic but virtual way. 

Launching the game, Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe said:

“This is a wonderful demonstration of how technology can be adapted to meet the needs of the curriculum. Using the game, students will get a very real flavour of what it takes to run a business and if we can continue to provide these types of enterprise experiences to our students it is much more likely that they will decide to try the real thing in the future.”

“This game is hugely valuable as it offers students the opportunity to implement what they are learning in business studies class," said Gerry Enright, County and City Enterprise Boards, which support the game.

"Utilizing the game to take lessons beyond the curriculum, students can learn what works in business and what doesn’t. By experimenting with different strategies and tactics, students can see the impact of their decisions," Mr Enright said.

The game is designed for Irish secondary school students aged 13 - 18. To play the game, a student must register at www.businessgame.ie. An internet connection and Flash Player 8 or higher are required. If resources are limited in schools, teachers can choose to run the game from a laptop and project the game in class.  

Registered teachers can access the specially designed Teacher Resources Area for more ideas on how to use The Small Business Game in class.