Gilmer High School students put their business ideas up for review last week.
As part of Josh Snider’s entrepreneurship class, students presented startup ideas to a panel of teachers in a Shark Tank-style format.
“The initial ultimate goal of the entrepreneurship pathway was to push kids toward starting their own business,” Snider said. “That has been my vision over the past two years; to see kids do something and make a profit and continue that after high school. I think we were able to accomplish that through this project.”
Students were given two weeks to research and cultivate their startup business. The process culminated last Thursday and Friday as students across three course levels gave over 30 presentations, which were live streamed on the school’s YouTube account.
The final session Friday morning included older students from the upper level entrepreneurship class. Some students presented ideas that have yet to materialize while others shared a business they have already started.
Students examined markets and identified competitors and discussed strategies to distinguish their product or offering.
GHS students Pedro Ruiz, Marvin Ramirez and Daniel Reynoso presented the idea for custom cellphone cases. They cited more customization options and closer contact with consumers, which would allow them to provide immediate and personable service.
Rachel Sanders shared her idea for a business that would provide assistance to senior citizens while they are not under the care of professional medical staff. The driving force was that their quality of life would be improved by having certified personnel providing in-home care.
Jenny Domingo presented her skateboard business that would fill the void currently in Ellijay. Much like custom cellphone cases, Domingo plans to order complete boards and customize them to consumer demands.
Three business ideas showcased are already off the ground. Honor roll student Jocelyn Birko is offering tutoring services and started with education remediation and homework assistance three years ago.
Birko has been tutoring for a profit since last August.
“This class has definitely made me expand my market,” she said. “Before it was more about whoever came to me and asked for my assistance. Now, there’s been more parents reaching out and me reaching out to parents.”
Alexis Martinez, Tony Olea and Spencer Merritt recently started a car detailing service. Martinez has been detailing cars for 2 1/2 years, but has since expanded his enterprise.
“Usually, I’d just detail family members’ or friends’ cars, but with this class, we’re now trying to get out to other people,” Martinez said.
Kaden Reece and Kaylin Rountree have been running a landscaping business for three months. Reece had two years of experience before starting the company.
“When I was working for someone else, I learned how to get contacts, what pricing should be and how I could make my own business. This class has definitely helped me with things like designing logos and getting more marketing out there that I wouldn’t have had before,” Reece said.
Snider noted that what students derived from the project was determined by their level of commitment.
“Being a track coach, you can tell a kid to run a 400 (meters), and they can choose to run a 400 or they really choose to run a 400,” he said. “We gave them an assignment that was totally in their hands. I think today it was evident that they chose to run an official business. Right now, as part of this process, it could be hypothetically or something they’re actually starting.
“Many kids put hours into this project and some provided themselves with an ample opportunity to get a good grade. It all depends on where that kid wants to go. If they want to run this business one day, then they are fully invested in this project. I think that’s what we saw from most of the students.”
Snider mentioned that the local business community has already expressed interest and inquired about students’ ideas and startup plans in an effort to either assist or forge a partnership.