BIZ KID$ Brings Youth’s Business Ideas to Life

Kids will have a unique opportunity to learn to ins and outs of the business world, while putting their ideas to action, with BIZ KID$. The session, hosted by the Rural Alberta Business Centre (RABC) is a chance for kids to experience a business idea coming to life, explains adviser for the RABC, Kathryn Hotte.

“BIZ KID$ offers kids the opportunity to see an idea come to life from the concept stage to operation, a chance for kids to be innovative and use their creativity within a business setting,” explains Hotte. Even for kids, it’s important to learn about how a business operates, says Hotte, “it gives them an insight into the business ownership world and that this is a viable option when considering what to do when they leave school.” By being hands-on, kids are able to gain insight to how everything works, Hotte explains, “it also gives kids an appreciation for how a business operates and encourages entrepreneurship on a local level.”

“Schools are great at giving knowledge and providing educational resources for the possible ‘idea’ for a business.” As Hotte explains, BIZ KID$ is the next level, a way to complement what the schools are teaching. “BIZ KID$ gives them the opportunity to put their idea into action, especially with the finance piece which every kid needs to understand not just for a business but with life itself.”

The session promises to be fun and will keep the kids entertained. “They will get to be a real ‘entrepreneur’, learn about how to market their product or service, work with a mentor, a local business person that has been through the process and the best part they get some cash to get them going (that’s a favourite workshop when they finally get some money!).” Kids will also put their products to the test, says Hotte, “they will enjoy selling their product or service and interacting with customers and get a certificate and gifts at the wrap up BBQ as well as media attention throughout the program, may even get to see themselves in the paper or on Lakeland Connect!”

Last year’s BIZ KID$ cycle was very successful, says Hotte, “I do want to mention that several of the BIZ KID$ from last year are still operating their businesses, who knows maybe we will have another Oprah or Steve Jobs in our midst.”

LCN will be supporting the BIZ KID$ project, the public will get updates on the program and see highlights of the businesses throughout the process. The deadline to apply is tomorrow, Friday, May 27th. Print & fill out attached form, drop off at RABC in Cold Lake.