Dozens of 7th graders unveiled their creative business ideas at Annunciation School's Young Entrepreneur Show Nov. 29.
The students set up a diverse array of eye-catching stalls featuring unique merchandise. These included dog treats, crocheted animals, socks, beaded jewellery, scented candles, handmade soaps and perfumes, Christmas tree ornaments, stress balls, and more.
Class teacher Rose Ciotoli has been overseeing the entrepreneur fair since 2017.
"Some of these kids are hands-on learners... I find they're super creative, and at times in class, they don't have an opportunity to showcase that creative, hands-on passion that they have outside of school," said Ciotoli. "So, I thought this was a great opportunity to showcase their creativity and their passion for making things.
"It's a great way to learn about business at the same time, a lot of them say, 'we're getting paid to get to do our homework!' So, it's a great opportunity to get them really really involved and excited about learning."
For the previous six to eight weeks, about 30 students learned various components of business studies while developing their business plans. This process included setting project goals, brainstorming product ideas, and assessing their interests and skills.
They created financial plans and worked on the manufacturing aspect of their products and marketing strategies. Overall, students gained valuable insights into how to start and operate a small business.
"Some of them have used their own money to produce their business and their products, others have taken a loan from their parents," said Ciotoli.
Pupils aim to recover the total cost of supplies to create their goods. They will donate 10 per cent of their earnings to a charity of their choice. If they make any profits beyond that, they will keep it for themselves unless they have to repay a loan.
Ciotoli says they always host the fair around Christmas, and many the items make excellent stocking stuffers. This year, for the first time, they are offering dog treats, slippers, and gibbets for Crocs.
Ciotoli loves how this entrepreneurial activity helps shy children escape their shells. It encourages them to converse with customers and market their products.
"It's such a well-rounded program. It has so many skills that are so valuable in life, and they walk away with a little bit of confidence that maybe they didn't have before coming into it," she said.
"I feel like every year, I say, 'Oh, these are the best products; these are the best displays,' and then every year they just get better and better. I'm super proud of them."
Some students have already expressed a desire to continue their business ventures by enrolling in craft fairs or running them as a side business to make extra money as they become teenagers.
Student stories
Since last summer, Saja Ahmed has been self-learning and practicing crochet, making vibrant stuffed animals for sale.
"Crocheting makes me feel really relaxed, and I feel like it's such a good hobby for people to go into, especially at a young age like me," said Ahmed.
She already had the yarn and the experience, so her business plan focused on marketing. Her current goal is to become a Kaien Island Craft Fair vendor.
"When I started crocheting, I wasn't very good, but practice always makes progress. It's what my dad always tells me. So anyone can do anything, if you have the right mindset," she said.
Ahmed is donating some of her profits to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.
"I've been hearing about all the horrible stuff going on there and I wanted to help out in any way I can," she said.
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Samantha Sumanik has made all-natural handmade soaps packaged with real shell soap holders. She collected the shells herself during her trip to Haida Gwaii.
Sumanik focuses on her interactions with customers and always wears a smile. Her donations are directed to Diabetes Canada, as her sister was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2023.
"Having diabetes is an added responsibility for my sister as managing her blood sugars can be a full-time job. I hope that someday a cure will be found for people living with Type-1 Diabetes," said her business plan.
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Luke Daniele made stress balls by filling colourful balloons with flour. He finds them helpful in stressful situations, such as during school tests and is contributing to the BCSPCA.
