Embedded Files
Students will explore business creation by visiting local enterprises, factories, and restaurants. They will analyze existing products, brainstorm improvements, and develop new business ideas. The program covers financing, marketing, and business strategy, providing hands-on experience in entrepreneurship.
Day 1
Day 1
Today we started out at EFAA, a Boulder non-profit providing food and rental assistance to under-resourced families in town. We then went down to explore Pearl Street as an outdoor mall concept. We discussed where businesses are located and why. We went into businesses to see what a shopping experience is like, and how the entrepreneurs attract customers. Part of local business assessment is understanding the customer radius which may only entail walk-in customers, but may include national and international shipping of product.
Different businesses we visited were the Boulder Bookstore, Ku Cha House of Tea, and Rocket Fizz Candy. We had lunch at Illegal Pete's, and discussed who their customers are in the area. We ended with a quick visit to the famous Mork and Mindy House in Boulder!
We returned to school, and then worked on improving an existing product.
A wonderful day was had by all!
Day 2
Day 2
Today we started with a presentation on thrifting by Ms. Billet who owns a small business doing this. We talked and learned about how to research products, to buy and sell, and how to evaluate how much items can be sold for both locally, and on the internet.
Next we visited the Boulder County Recycling Center which operates both as a for-profit and a non-profit entity recycling about 220 tons of garbage a day! We learned how non-profits operate financially, and how they positively impact our community.
After enjoying a classic diner lunch in Longmont, we visited Goodwill in Longmont and the Front Range Mercantile Mall to look for items to thrift and price.
Tomorrow we visit the Flatirons Mall to see how and why businesses choose to locate in that environment as opposed to a free-standing location. We will return to school and continue to investigate thrifting opportunities online.
Day 3
Day 3
Welcome to day 3 of Entrepreneurship!
Today, we visited the Flatirons Mall to see why businesses pay rent and percentage of profit to the Mall owner to locate in that space. We saw why business owners would like to locate near large stores such as Macys.
We discussed product placement within stores such as Five Below where the $1.00 items are at the front of the store, and the $5.00 items are near the back. At Hollister, we saw that the clearance items are located at the back of the store with the more expensive clothing located at the front. Additionally, we saw that similar types of businesses are situated near each other in the complex.
We returned to school and formed groups where we developed a concept idea for a new product or service, came up with a physical location, and finally developed a marketing plan for it.
Day 4
Day 4
Welcome to day 4 of Entrepreneurship!
Today we visited Lynn at Triple Creek Ranch (TCR) in Longmont. Lynn told us how she budgets for her business, and how she has developed various income streams to sustain her operation. Lynn boards horses, offers riding lessons, and has tremendous summer riding programs for children as young at 6.
After a wonderful lunch at the unique Mountain Fountain market in Hygiene, we enjoyed an afternoon of bowling!
Day 5
Day 5
Today we started our day with a discussion of how the over 15 entities we visited this week fit into a discussion of expertise, financing, market, and seeing opportunity.
Next, we went on a factory tour of Celestial Seasonings. We learned how the business started small over 50 years ago. All products locally made, and they operate 24 hours a day in three shifts. They can produce 10 million teabags a day if required. All tea is made to order.
Lastly, we enjoyed a visit to Gateway before returning to campus.
We all had a wonderful week together!
Report abuse