Summit Summer 2009: Setting Sail on their Own
Posted by klhouse on July 24, 2009
Looking for a sure bet in these difficult economic times? The future businessmen and women who took part in Summit Summer’s “All Aboard the Entrepreneurship” camp have investing opportunities for you. From a technology company that helps clients manage all of their information to chocolate covered fried apples, their ideas were original and innovative.
Camp instructors Erinn and Nelson Diaz led the students through the creative process—from coming up with the idea for a business to choosing a unique name, branding, making a marketing plan, identifying the perfect client, and setting short and long-term goals. They took a field trip to the Chamber of Commerce and got advice from former Summit staff member Nike Roach who owns several small businesses.
Rising sixth grader Joseph Hilleary had fun doing research to find the perfect one-of-a-kind name for his technology company. He also wanted a symbol as part of his logo. When reading about the Greek alphabet, Joseph discovered that several letters had been dropped or changed over the centuries. Thus, Qoppa Technologies was born. “He was excited to come everyday,” says his mom Meg, who let him choose two camps to attend this summer. Joseph says he enjoyed taking part in a more serious camp and learning about business ideas that were new to him. He recommended that a study of entrepreneurship be included in the School curriculum.
Move over Charles Schwab, Entrepreneurship camper Chase Schaub is on your heels. His company, SitLine, manufactures chairs which move along a track so no more having to stand while waiting in line. His potential clients included tourist attractions and theme parks. “Why Stand When You Can Sit,” read his tagline.
On the last day of camp, parents came to hear the students’ plans and watch video presentations of their original, and often humorous, ads. Descriptions and samples of Josh Breakstone’s chocolate covered Fryer Apples made everyone’s mouth water. His plan that “the best advertising is word of mouth” reflected both a play on words and sound marketing strategy. Josh, a rising sixth grader, loved that Summit offered this kind of camp, which appealed to his business sense. He had prior selling experience and had previously operated his own lemonade stand.
Throughout the week, students learned about business ethics, positive thinking, setting realistic goals, brainstorming and taking advantage of a tough economy. After the last class, Josh was busy making a copy of his business plan to share with his grandmother, undoubtedly a potential investor. By 2017 he had planned to be a college student, driving a solar powered car, and making $10,000 a month selling his apples. Sounds like a man with a plan!
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