ANYONE looking to start a small businesses in Lynn Valley Village could get some sage advice from a group of local high schoolers.
For their year-end project, Argyle secondary teacher Jeanine Almeida's Business Education 10 class was tasked with generating potential retail ideas for the town centre.
"They went and did some market research using surveys where they asked different types of target markets in the area questions and they grabbed all their data and compiled different charts," Almeida says.
Teams had 10 minutes each to pitch and defend their business concept in front of a discerning panel of judges, which included District of North Vancouver Mayor Richard Walton, Coun. Roger Bassam and municipal staff.
The winning business proposal was Swirlies, a frozen yogurt shop dreamed up by group members Emily Prosperi-Porta, Rebecca Knight, Angela Katelieva, Mikaila Johnson and Melissa Tranter.
"Their presentation skills were really high," says Almeida, explaining the students went so far as to mock up a company website and store layout. It didn't hurt that they also brought in samples of frozen yogurt that would be sold in the shop.
Second place went to Liam Baird, Roan McMillan, Paul Brini, Quinn Klassen and Russell Coffin, who thought up Sparkz Electronics, a local alternative to the big-box technology stores.
Several businesses in Lynn Valley Village contributed more than $500 in prizes to the winners and runners up.
Having just recently returned to work after a maternity leave, this is the first time Almeida has handed this particular assignment to her business students.
"This project, for the kids, kind of helped them to really plug in, really get involved, make an effort," she says. "We're trying to come up with ways to really assess (student) learning in different ways and not just the traditional tests."
A class field trip to the village allowed the students to gain better insight into the wants and needs of local consumers.
"For them to talk to adults and ask them questions, that's very hard for a young kid," Almeida says. "It helped build confidence."
Project preparation also included classroom discussion about unsuccessful local business ventures and future residential highrises planned for the area.
Almeida says the learning outcome of this assignment far exceeded her expectations.
"They appreciated small business more, I think, and just their community in general," she says.
