For the third year, a unique real world learning experience is allowing Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) students to develop their entrepreneurial skills!
Through Ministry of Education funding, this year's group of students from Walkerton District Community School, Owen Sound District Secondary School, and the Agriculture Specialist High Skills Major program attended a kick-off session with Georgian College's Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre.
As a lead-up to the session, representatives from BWDSB and Georgian College visited classes to offer students guidance on completing a business plan and an opportunity for skill development in presenting a pitch. The initiative builds on a strong partnership between the board and college, which has resulted in the creation of a semester-long entrepreneurship program.
The kick-off session on February 26, 2025 provided in-depth learning on finding your path, the Canadian business landscape, the many ways to achieve entrepreneurship, available supports, networking to build your brand, and identifying problems to solve and needs to fill through one's business.
Students also learned about the Summer Company program. This partnership between both Bruce and Grey counties and the Province of Ontario will grant up to $3,000 in summer business start-up funding to four students in the 15 to 29 age range. Many of the student participants have been able to connect with Summer Company program representatives in the two counties with a chance to compete for seed money in May by pitching their business ideas to a panel of judges.
“It was amazing to witness the enthusiasm of the students who came to the day with sales ideas, business card mockups, and a willingness to spend time networking with others to get feedback about their plans. Some made direct contact with other students who had skill sets they needed, while others connected with staff needing a service idea that was shared. Ryan stated that one quarter of Canadians are entrepreneurs, so these skills are necessary for our students’ future endeavours.” - Kim Harbinson, BWDSB Learning Services Administrator - Student Success
“The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in high schools across Grey and Bruce counties. I saw this first-hand at the entrepreneurial kick-off event hosted at Georgian College's Owen Sound Campus on February 26. Over the course of an action-packed day, these young innovators networked alongside community entrepreneurs and learned what it takes to build the relationships that build businesses. Inspired by the people and supports they connected with in the morning, these high school entrepreneurs then turned their attention to the people they could help in their own communities by building viable, practical businesses that solve real world problems for them. I heard from their teacher that the conversations that started in the classroom lasted throughout the long bus ride home. Something truly magical happens when young people learn that they are in a position to help their community and can make a living doing so.” - Ryan Burwell, Manager, Programs and Services, Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre at Georgian College
“Today’s session left my students energized, excited, and inspired. On our bus ride home, I saw students continuing to discuss and bounce their ideas off one another - some who I would have never otherwise seen talking to one another in class or out, and one who said today was the best day of school he’s ever had.” - Drew Bomhof, Walkerton District Community School Secondary Business, Tech, Geography and Visual Arts Teacher
“I was so impressed by the level of student engagement, and said a few times out loud that there is such an obvious, positive impact that educators are having on the students. Thank you for the opportunity to support you and your students.” - Dave Shorey, Executive Director, Owen Sound Campus, Georgian College