The entrepreneurial spirit is thriving at Pleasant Corners Public School (PCPS), where four classes from Grade 5 to Grade 7 are embarking on a journey of innovation and business expertise through the KIDpreneurship project.
The KIDpreneurship project, a component of the school’s real-world learning program, saw its latest milestone on May 2, as students organized a jeopardy-style event to pitch their latest idea.
Their aim was to secure funds from the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) Real-World Learning (RWL) team for the startup of 20 student-led businesses, ranging from sweet and savory snacks such as flavoured gourmet popcorn, home-made cookies, ice cream sundaes, tropical drinks and chocolate dipped fruit to service rendered options including photo booth pictures, a Super Mario gaming station and one-of-a-kind beaded bracelets.
Their pitch presentation, created by the Grade 7 class, asked for $2,000 to be shared across the 20 businesses. RWL Principal Cam Jones agreed, doubling their ask.
With the funds from the UCDSB RWL team, combined with the success of previous fundraising endeavors including a movie night fundraiser and a silent auction, which collectively totaled $2,500, the students are well-equipped to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Students will showcase their businesses at the school’s 2nd Annual Junior Business Fair, scheduled to coincide with the year-end barbecue on June 13 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Inspired by the remarkable journey of local paraplegic athlete Joey Desjardins, who is set to compete in the France Olympics, the students have pledged to donate their fair profits towards supporting his endeavours this summer.
“This project had 100 per cent buy-in from my students, even the ones who are usually disengaged. It’s giving them purpose, and each student has a significant role to play. This makes my teacher heart happy,” says Jennifer Anderson, the organizing teacher behind the project who has worked hard at the school to instill the importance of community engagement in her students.
Anderson is also a 2022-2023 UCDSB Trustee Innovation Award winner for teaching entrepreneurship, specifically the pop-up hot chocolate shop endeavour that raised $3,000 for CHEO and the 10 student-led enterprises at last year’s business fair. Last year’s fair raised funds for a Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute bursary for a student entering a business-related field of study.
The journey towards entrepreneurial success has been a collaborative effort, with students benefiting from the wisdom and insights of local small businesses. Earlier this year, the school hosted a panel discussion featuring seven local entrepreneurs, who shared invaluable guidance and inspiration and discussed details of product development, pricing strategies, marketing, and budget management with students.
As the countdown to the Junior Business Fair continues, anticipation is rising among students, staff, and the broader community. With their innovative products, creative marketing strategies, and determination, the young entrepreneurs of PCPS are prepared to make a lasting impression on the local business landscape and beyond.
