Thursday, May 27, 2004 - The Bancroft Times, by Tammy Wilson

The Business Builders Program is once again being offered in Bancroft, and kids will be learning how to successfully start their own business.
Kevin Taylor, IT Specialist and Youth Program Coordinator for Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) in Bancroft, is visiting schools throughout North Hastings, explaining the program to students between Grades 5 – 8.
“I visit the schools and ask students what kinds of businesses they would start.  Most of the time, they answer with a lemonade stand, baby-sitting and mowing lawns.  My job is to get them to think outside the box,” said Taylor.
He visited Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School on May 19, and spoke to the students about the possibilities of starting their own businesses and what they would like to do.  After discussing the topic for a little while, the kids started to come up with original ideas.  They suggested things such as starting a berry stand, wildlife photography, grocery shopping for the elderly or disabled, car washing, baked goods and selling crafts.
“I can tell you guys are starting to think outside the box, and you are thinking about the things that you love to do.  I want to really promote to all of you that if you start a business, it has to be something that you love to do.  If it’s not, then the probability of the business being successful is low,” Taylor said to the students, who were gathered in the gymnasium.
The program consists of five day-long workshops, each held on Saturdays at the Bird’s Creek Community Centre.  There, the students will learn about providing good customer service, starting and running a business, forming partnerships with others, creating business plans, promotion and advertising, and more.
This is the third year the program has been offered, and is free to kids aged 10 – 15.  An application must be filled out and then only 16 students will be selected for the program.
Those selected will receive a workbook and will be required to attend each workshop.  After a business plan is created and is approved, CFDC could provide that plan with a grant to help get it started.
“This is the only program of its kind being offered in Ontario.  It originated in Nova Scotia, and Bancroft was selected as the pilot project.  We’re now also visiting schools in Centre Hastings, and 14 students will also be taking the program in Madoc.  We’ve had really good results with this program and we’ve also been able to train a couple of other people to teach it,” explained Taylor.
Manda Slater, a Student who was 12 at the time she took the program, created her own business called Maynooth Summer Jams and sold 300 dozen jars in just one summer.
“Even if you don’t have a business card or store front, you will learn how to handle situations professionally.  It is an opportunity to earn a little bit of money, learn how to deal with customers and you will learn how to market ideas,” said Taylor.