Event Fosters Young Entrepreneurs (News)
By MOLLY CORMIER
cormier.molly@dailygleaner.com
A group of budding, young entrepreneurs put its business skills to the test Friday at King's Place in downtown Fredericton.
The youth were part of Enterprise Fredericton's summer entrepreneurship camps running in July and August.
Throughout the summer, the business development organization offers five, week-long camps that teach youth about starting their own business by helping them open, operate and close their own company in one day.
During the week, campers learn how to develop an idea, make a business plan, make the product and even secure funding for the endeavour, said youth development coordinator Kaitlyn Delong.
"They are learning some of the key concepts and things needed to start a business and profit from it," Delong said. "It makes them excited about entrepreneurship."
At the marketplace in King's Place, campers set up a table with signs advertising their products. Shoppers were able to browse the products and ask the young entrepreneurs questions. The youth used their business skills to pitch the products.
Ten-year-old Shawne Comeau decided to take a delicious idea and make some money.
She sold marshmallows dipped in chocolate and sprinkles on a stick. She sold out of product before the end of the day.
Shawne said the key to success is in the presentation.
"I learned a lot, like you always should have a nice smile," she said.
Olivia Miller, 11, decided to tackle a pet peeve with her product.
The Go-Green Helping Hand is a garden glove stuffed with newspaper on the end of a broom handle. It's used for clearing spiders out of hard to reach places, she said.
"My mom pitched me some ideas and I really liked that one," Olivia said, adding that she sold out by the end of the day.
"People said it was a really neat idea and they'd use it."
Olivia said she was excited about developing new ideas because she loves being creative and making new things.
"I hate spiders, so I will use it," she said.
At the beginning of the week, a loan officer gave all campers a start-up loan of $20, which they pay back in the end.
Each Friday, campers can be found selling their wares at the marketplace in King's Place. Any profit goes directly to the youth, Delong said.