Students in teacher Lyndsi Irwin’s Business Studies 10, 20, 30 classes geared up for the school’s traditional Christmas Market on Wednesday, November 25th. In a departure from previous years, the market involved student vendors only — but at all three Business Studies levels — and occurred during the school day, with the main target market being students and staff. Under this new format, students faced new challenges of having more student vendors to compete against, a short sales period and having to predict potential sales to a specific target market. In preparation for the market, area business executives and entrepreneurs formed a “Dragon’s Den”-style panel. Student Business Venture Groups had to pitch their ideas in a bid for seed money. It was a valuable learning opportunity for all of the students who worked together to develop a professional business pitch and present it to an audience.
Thanks to all of the “Dragons” who volunteered their time:
- Chris Anstey, Business Development Manager, Futurpreneur
- Mardell Chinook, Financial Planner, TD Bank Group and an educator for Junior Achievement
- Laurie Copland, FSD’s Okotoks Trustee
- Verna Leman, Business Analyst, Community Futures Highwood
- Marnie Prince, Okotoks Branch Manager for CIBC
- Joe Sheldrake, Senior Director, Sales for GE
The “Dragons” were impressed by the professionalism of the students, their depth of knowledge, pitch skills and overall quality of their business plans. Congratulations to all the students and best wishes for a successful market!