First you must find the money. Then it's a lot of hard work and
decision-making, says ANTONY McCAFFERTY TONNER
SETTING up a successful Enterprise Group in school is not an easy
task. We found this to be true in August of last year. Starting off with
17 members and an Advisor, we were to go through a process of hard work,
decision-making and new experiences.
When the group formed, we had to decide on a name and elect the people
most suitable for each job. We called ourselves BEG -- Business
Enterprise Group.
I was elected as Chairperson.
Deciding on a product for the group was fun. We toyed with the idea of
several things, issuing questionnaires as part of our market research
and finally agreed on a range of ethnic jewellery.
In order to make our product we had to raise capital. So we produced a
Business Plan to show prospective investors.
We approached a bank for an enterprise grant. Our presentation was a
nerve-wracking experience but overall their representative was impressed
with the group's professional attitude. We received a grant and they set
up a business account for us.
Our next step was to meet the School Finance Committee. I chose three
competent members from Finance, Sales and Marketing to present our
business plan. The school was impressed and lent us the rest of the
money we needed.
During the production of the jewellery, quieter members of the group
contributed well. Every member had a job to do, one that suited his or
her abilities.
Sales were slow to start but advertising advice from SEGA helped to
boost our sales and we finished with a formidable profit. Our success
was the result of tapping into the skills of each member of the group.
Our chosen charity, CHAS, will be receiving a donation of #160.
I found the enterprise activity to be a valuable source of personal
and social development. As chairperson, I learned the difficulties
involved in getting everyone to co-operate together in the enterprise.
All those involved were given the opportunity to identify their
strengths and weaknesses. The new skills an talents found by our members
proves the importance of this kind of education.
-- The writer is in his fifth year at St Andrew's Academy, Paisley.
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