Fostering young entrepreneurs

Developing, marketing and selling a new product is a tough process, but local youth have the chance to try out their entrepreneurial skills.

Community Futures Heartland-White Horse Plains is offering a Kids Biz Camp for children aged nine to 13 in Portage la Prairie from July 11 to 15, and for the first time, in Elie from July 24 to 28.
Business analyst Colby Orchard said the participants create a real product that they then sell at a local farmers market.

"The program is designed to get that entrepreneurial spirit going in kids," he said.

"They will have an opportunity to learn about subjects such as product creation, marketing, product development, and they will actually have an opportunity to sell their product and make a little money," he said. "During the camp we will also be touring around the community, analyzing local businesses, and hearing from local business owners about what are their secrets to success; giving an opportunity for the kids to ask questions about entrepreneurship and what they can do to make sure they are successful in selling their product."

"They generally do well selling their product, and it’s a lot of fun for them," he said.

Registrants for the Portage session must pay $100, but Community Futures is offering a $50 rate for the Elie session since this is the first time the program has been offered there.

For more information and to register, contact Orchard at 204-239-0135 or email corchard@cfheartland.ca

— Staff