Western North Carolina high school students will learn how to create businesses and foster entrepreneurial skills while experiencing college life during the third annual Youth Entrepreneurship Camp, held June 24-29 at Western Carolina University.
The camp, sponsored by the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center at WCU and by North Carolina Rural Entrepreneurship Through Action Learning Enterprises (NC REAL), offers hands-on experience using experimental activities that demonstrate the elements of a business plan.
Campers will learn to develop leadership skills, identify and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities, use technology in business, prepare a loan package and financial projections, write a business plan, and make a video commercial and a formal presentation.
Students also will meet and interview WCU faculty, community leaders and business owners, including the owner of Nantahala Outdoor Center, who will give a presentation following a rafting trip down the Nantahala River.
In addition, campers will have the opportunity to win cash awards, tour businesses in Jackson County and get a sample of college life while living in a university residence hall.
The deadline for registration is May 4.
SBTDC is an interinstitutional program of The University of North Carolina, and has a regional service center located at WCU. It is North Carolina’s primary business assistance program, offering free business counseling statewide to help businesses meet challenges, manage change and plan for the future.
NC REAL is a nonprofit organization that provides experimental business planning opportunities throughout North Carolina’s high schools and community colleges.
For more information, call Allan Steinburg with the SBTDC at (828) 227-3459, Angela Cogdill with NC REAL at (919) 688-7325 or Stephanie Palmer at (828) 650-9804.
