SUDBURY—The public is invited to support young entrepreneurs at the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) Entrepreneurial Fair in the Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School Intermediate gym on Wednesday, June 6.
Approximately 45 innovative businesses will be on display as students from Rainbow Schools sell their products and services from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. This event is being hosted in partnership with the Learning Initiative and the Regional Business Centre.
Awards will be presented at 1:15 pm. A panel of judges from the business community will evaluate the displays. Judges will look at the effectiveness of the presentations to select the winners for best presentation, best business plan, best product and best service. Participants will vote against themselves to protect the winner of the Young Entrepreneur Award.
“The Rainbow District School Board Entrepreneur Fair gives Grade 7 and 8 students the opportunity to develop and run their very own business,” says Paula Biondi, entrepreneur fair chair. “Students create and implement business plans, and in the process, they foster knowledge of basic marketing strategies and apply a variety of academic skills gained from Rainbow Schools.”
A Entrepreneurial Fair was held at Charles C. McLean Public School on Thursday of last week. “We have taken part in the Entrepreneurial Fair for quite a few years now,” said Courtney Lockyer, Grade 8 teacher. “With this program students have to come up with a product, make a business plan, and sell their works.” She noted the top five selected as best from the C.C. McLean Entrepreneurial Plan were going to be competing in the RDSB event.
The top five selected from C.C. McLean that will be entered into the entrepreneurial fair in Sudbury include ‘BBQ Boys’ by Lucas Wright and Hayden Lloyd; ‘Once Upon a Magnet’ by Rachael Orford; ‘Barrettes, Bows and Beyond’ by Bella Jefkins and Caleigh Quinlan; ‘Jenna’s Jewelry’ by Jenna Shank; and ‘Knotty Boys’ by Mason Leighton and Colton Chevrette.
Students use math for accounting and research skills to gather market information. Artistic abilities are used to create visuals and displays. Students also use oral and written communication skills by speaking with the public, selling their products and services, creating professional business plans, and developing business cards, websites, brochures and other promotional material. The tradeshow provides a dynamic learning experience for students, bringing the classroom curriculum to life.
