Young entrepreneurs promoted their innovative businesses at Southridge Mall on Thursday. It was the 12th annual Northern Ontario Visions Project Tradeshow presented by Rainbow District School Board, Learning Initiative and Regional Business Centre. Some 80 entrepreneurs sold their products and services from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Tradeshow participants vied for a number of awards - best presentation, best business plan, best product and best service. The young entrepreneurs also voted amongst themselves to decide who should receive the coveted young entrepreneur award. A panel of judges from the business community also evaluated how effectively students presented their products and/or services.
The 50 businesses being showcased were as varied as the students' imaginations, resulting in a spectacular showcase of creativity and innovation. P2 Designs personalized guitar picks for chains, bracelets and pet collars. Bermuda Bargains sold frames, necklaces and original sculptures made from sea rocks washed up on the shore of Bermuda.
The tradeshow is a culminating event for students who have completed entrepreneurship units or taken part in school fairs. Participating schools included Carl A. Nesbitt Public School, George Vanier Public School, Levack Public School, Churchill Public School, Northeastern Elementary School, R.H. Murray Public School, Pinecrest Public School, Warren Public School, MacLeod Public School, Wanup Public School and Churchill Public School.
The tradeshow provided an authentic learning experience for students, bringing the classroom to life in a dynamic way. Students learned about math through sales taxes, discounts and financial statements. They also created graphs as part of their market research. From a language perspective, students gained oral and written communications 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. Students also had a chance to hone their artistic skills by creating visually pleasing displays to attract customers.
The visions steering committee, made up of representatives from business and industry, was formed in 1996 to develop an entrepreneurship unit for teachers and students in Rainbow schools.
