Freshmen Josh Neusch and Noah Stone selling the last of their cookies to customers.
By Hattie Batchelder
From juniper charcuterie boards to scented soy candles, Seeley-Swan High School students have been working hard since the first day of school to build their own independent businesses. The semester-long entrepreneurship class, taught by Michele Holmes, is a chance for students to learn their way around the world of business. During the "Blackhawk Biz" Market Day, students were able to sell the products they have been working on throughout the semester.
The students were challenged with the complex process of creating a business plan, a cost analysis, making a product to sell, and then marketing their product. Ever since the students entered Holmes's classroom in early September, they've been diligently developing their mini businesses. On Saturday, December 10th, they showcased their goods from 10:00 a.m until 6:00 p.m, selling their products at Market Day. Almost all of the students sold out, with many of them taking orders from late-shopping customers. The entrepreneurship projects encouraged students to manage their time as business owners would. "While some students had products that allowed them to work within class time, most had to fit at least some production into their other time commitments, like sports. This brings in valuable workforce skills like organization and time management," Holmes said. "In addition to just making their products, we spent class time discussing packaging, developing logos, marketing, and branding."
The Market Day was a success for both customers and students, leaving many young entrepreneurs enthusiastic about their own businesses. "I wish I could take this class for the whole year," said freshman Haidyn Bradshaw, who sold scented candles with her partner, Kaycee Salter.
Holmes remains enthusiastic about the future of her entrepreneurship class, as well as her students' businesses. "Blackhawk Biz market day wouldn't be the success it was without the great support of the Seeley-Swan community and parents."
Reader Comments(0)