Some 450 Grade 10 students from Chatham-Kent got a taste of what it means to own your own business last week as they took part in “Entrepreneur 101″, a program hosted by the Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board.
Project co-ordinator Renee Handsor said she received plenty of positive feedback from students and presenters about the event held at the Children’s Safety Village.
“I got the idea from a similar event held in Sarnia but we tailored it to what we thought was needed here,” she said. “It went over very well.”
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The timing of the event coincided with Global Entrepreneurship Week. Students participated in a number of workshops on topics involving finance, creating mock businesses and determining whether a career as an entrepreneur is the right path.
Partnering with the planning board and providing workshops were Junior Achievement, Ontario Small Business Centre, St. Clair College – Genesis Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre, YMCA Learning and Career Centre, The Co-operators and Investors Group.
Handsor said the experience was valuable even for those students who don’t foresee themselves as entrepreneurs.
“Many of the skills needed to be a business owner are also those that make for a good employee,” she said. “There are some lifelong skills which they can use now and into adulthood.”
Wallaceburg District Secondary School students Ben Kraayenbrink and Makenna Barclay said learning about money in a non-classroom setting made the day interesting.
Jamie Rainbird, a consultant with the Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre, called the event “very worthwhile.”
“I had some kids talk about starting a summer company and others learned more about self-employment, ” he said. “It’s not just about owning a candy store. Doctors, farmers, lawyers are all entrepreneurs.”
Instructor Chris Ryan of St. Clair College had students create a mock company. Ideas ranged from fashion firms to food trucks.
“We opened their minds to possibilities,” he said. “That’s always a good thing.”
Financial advisor Andrew Smith said financial management should be part of secondary school curriculum.
“Students ranged from knowledgeable to many who have no idea about finances,” he said. “These young people are going out into the world in a few years and they really need to learn more.”
Handsor said small business employment is growing at twice the rate of the total workforce making it a viable option for those who opt for being their own boss.
“It’s what’s driving the local workforce.”
Following the workshops, students took part in the JAmazing race competition in which they competed by completing various business-related tasks. Those who finished first earned prizes. “We wanted to keep it fun as well as educational,” said Barb Smith of Junior Achievement.
Handsor said given the response, it’s possible the event could be held next year. “If we can find the sponsorship and support, we could certainly do it. The safety village is a great location for this kind of thing.”
