Although the inaugural Dublin Entrepreneurial Camp (also known as The Dublin Apprentice Camp) description said kids 11-15 years old enrolled in the 3 week camp would learn about “marketing, sales, networking, capital, taxes, licenses, risk and profit. through mock scenarios and challenges,” they likely had no idea what they were in for.
Ginny Beatty, Documentation Consultant with Wise Words Consulting discusses her work with a camper.
Sandy Blanqurea CEO of Social Boomerang, introduced campers to the “10 Steps to Networking,” which included helping the kids develop an elevator speech and Twitter account. Also, campers worked with Mathew Buchenroth Vivid Front, Creative Director to learn about product branding of their business and product or service.
Armed with freshly printed business cards, a firm handshake, and a well rehearsed elevator pitch, the kids headed to the 4th floor for lunch at the Jelly. Not unlike other 2nd or 3rd Thursdays at the DEC, more than 40 business professionals were already spread throughout the commons and training room area when campers arrived.
Many had been there since early morning taking advantage of the free sessions part of the “HR Essentials Day,” or meeting with Lori Crock of Written Impact for one-on-one marketing consulting. However, there was a special call throughout social media to bring more professional in the building to ensure students could exceed their goal of meeting 3-5 business professionals during the 60 minute lunch. By the time lunch arrived–provided free by Buffalo Wild Wings,–crowd swell had reached nearly 80 people.
In addition to the opportunity to transform their small group business ideas to something more tangible with a business plan, marketing strategy, and product branding, campers also participate in on-site visits as well. These entrepreneurs of tomorrow learn about the manufacturing industry from Ohio Laser, marketing from COSI, sales from Tim Horton’s, renewable resources from Algaeventure Systems, among others. Each field trip also features a challenge designed to help the campers learn about that particular business area.
A unique aspect about The Dublin Entrepreneurial Camp are the opportunities kids have to take what they have learned both at on-site visits as well as through presentations and exercises and apply it to their own business idea. Near the end of the 3 weeks, each business group participates in a Shark Tank challenge. In this activity, campers present marketing, sales, and market assessment information to a small panel which includes Rick Coplin, of TechColumbus housed at the DEC.
There is one more chance to meet this developing cadre of young professionals Friday, July 30, 2010, 3:00pm–4:30pm at the DEC Convention. At this open house event, campers showcase the businesses they developed, alongside the challenges they completed during the 3-week period. Mark your calendars and reserve your spot today to be part of the last event of The Dublin Apprentice Camp 2010!
