Wyoming Business Camp Encourages Youth to Make Their Own Jobs

by Linda Wolfe, Education and Outreach Manager, Converse Area New Development Organization

The Converse Area New Development Organization (CANDO) in Douglas,Wyoming, is concerned about giving Wyoming youth a reason to stay in the state. If teens cannot find the jobs they are looking for after graduating high school or college, CANDO is encouraging them to consider making those jobs by creating their own businesses.

Every student walks away a winner from the CANDO Youth Business Camps, but some walk away with more after winning the $250 best business award.

Research shows that youth and young adults ages 14-21 come up with innovative, workable ideas for new businesses. That’s why CANDO created its Youth Business Camp to give Wyoming youth the entrepreneurial skills they need to turn their business ideas into reality. The camp curriculum was designed by CANDO in partnership with Paul Guinn, a serial entrepreneur who also worked with Michael Dell when Dell Computers was just starting up.

For the past five years, almost 100 teens ages 14-18 have participated in the statewide camps. Some already have a business; others have ideas but no business knowledge. Not only does the camp increase their chances of being a successful business owner, it also makes them better employees. Once the camp has ended, they truly appreciate what it takes to run a business.

The curriculum

Camp begins on a Sunday evening, when introductions are made and camp rules given over pizza. The camp experience is based on a team competition for a $250 award contributed by a successful Wyoming entrepreneur.

Students then perform a personal skills analysis and create a skills resume. After dividing into teams, leadership positions in four areas are posted for elections – executive, financial, marketing, and production. Students are encouraged to run for at least one of these positions, using their skills resume to introduce themselves and to get other members of the camp to elect them.

Once the teams are formed, they receive a booklet of lessons on each step of creating a business plan and building a business. Teams then begin working on their businesses by choosing a name and logo.

Monday: Organizing a business

On Monday, students hear from a local entrepreneur about his experiences. They then learn about business visions, values and plans; mission statements; performance goals; insurance needs and exit strategies. After dinner, students participate in fun team-building activities.

Tuesday: Marketing

On Tuesday, participants develop a market survey and venture out into the community to conduct it.While performing the survey, teams also select the location for their business. Students return to analyze their surveys and learn about creating a promotion plan; using advertising media, including how to create a radio spot; and designing flyers and signs.

Students then go to a local radio station to create their ad, which will be played the day prior to and the day of sales. Students also tour a local business and create t-shirts to wear on sale day.

Tuesday evening is focused on teaching finance principles, which continues on Wednesday. Topics include inputs, fixed costs, startup budget and choosing price points.

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