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| Area students learn about entrepreneurship |
Students show chart at camp. |
Monday, July 16, 2007
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer
Today they are students, but tomorrow they might be entrepreneurs.
Ten rising seventh- and eighth-graders last week learned basic skills needed to start a business during Camp Idea, sponsored by the New College Institute (NCI) and Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC).
Those skills include knowing customers’ needs, developing innovative ideas to meet those needs and believing they will succeed, said Lisa Fultz-Grace, the EDC’s director of small and minority business development.
Three groups of students developed ideas for products and/or businesses they think would be profitable. They presented those ideas Friday during a luncheon for the students, their parents and other guests.
One group of boys came up with the idea for environmentally friendly cars and trucks that would run on saltwater and biomass fuels. The vehicles would have energy-efficient lightbulbs and interiors made from recycled materials.
Another group of boys proposed an athletic products company that would sell tennis shoes with stretch bands across the laces to keep them tied while being worn, as well as other performance-enhancing features.
Meanwhile, the girls dreamed up the concept of a television set powered by a stationary bicycle. In order to watch TV, a person would have to ride the bike, which would help him or her lose weight, the girls reasoned.
Ryan Cornett, an EDC intern who helped coordinate Camp Idea, said that after hearing about students’ ideas for products, he thought, “Wow! I’d probably go out and buy them.”
He said the students exceeded NCI and EDC officials’ expectations.
“No doubt, the future business leaders of Martinsville and Henry County are in this room,” said NCI Executive Director Barry Dorsey.
“When they’re old enough to legally start a business, I want them to come and see me,” said Dick Ephgrave, director of the Longwood Small Business Development Center, which helps entrepreneurs further their businesses.
Camp Idea participants said the experience has made them think about going into business for themselves someday.
“It was a very fun experience,” said Olivia Allred, a Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School student who is the daughter of Scott and LeAnn Allred. She said the camp helped her develop confidence.
Another F-C student, Alvalaus Barbour, daughter of Willie Morris and Alton Barbour, said she enjoyed meeting lots of people.
Lydia Pack, a Laurel Park Middle School student who is the daughter of Ted and Yvonne Pack, and Mehar Virdi, a Martinsville Middle School student and the son of Surinder Singh, joked that what they liked most was the food served during Friday’s luncheon.
Pack said she also enjoyed hanging out with her friends and “ignoring the boys. And you can quote that.”
Allred said, though, that the boys actually were cool. She added that she looks forward to attending Camp Idea next year.
It is likely the camp will be held again in the future, Dorsey said. |
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