At the Close School of Entrepreneurship, we recently concluded our annual Rising Starters Summer Camp, an immersive program designed to inspire and equip high school students with the skills they need to become successful entrepreneurs. Over the course of a week, participants delved into the world of business, gaining hands-on experience and developing their entrepreneurial mindset.
A Week of Entrepreneurial Growth
Throughout the camp, students participated in a variety of workshops led by experienced faculty and industry professionals. These sessions covered essential topics such as:
- Idea Generation and Validation: Exploring creative methods for generating business ideas and assessing their potential.
- Market Research and Analysis: Understanding the importance of market research and analyzing customer needs.
- Business Model Development: Learning how to create a sustainable business model.
- Financial Planning and Budgeting: Acquiring basic financial literacy and budgeting skills.
- Pitching and Presentation: Developing effective communication and presentation skills.
Additionally, the camp featured entrepreneurial guest speakers who shared their personal entrepreneurial journeys, providing inspiration and practical advice for the students.
Pitch Competition Highlights
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the pitch competition, where students presented their business ideas to a panel of judges comprised of industry professionals and Close School faculty. Competitors were evaluated on the effectiveness of their presentations, the creativity of their ideas, and their potential impact.
In addition to the formal pitches, students had the chance to showcase their ideas at an expo, where they engaged with attendees and received valuable feedback. The intense competition concluded with cash prizes awarded to the top three pitches and every participant walking away with newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of what it takes to bring a business idea to life.
Testimonials from the Rising Starters Summer Camp
We are thrilled by the positive feedback we received from both students and their families. Here’s what some of them had to say about their experience:
- “This shouldn’t be called camp because it was way more than that!” – Kayla O.
- “This experience showed me that I can just start something.” – Heaven G.
- “Our daughter had an amazing experience. I am so impressed by how much she learned in just one week.” – Narinder D.
- “My daughter enjoyed the hands-on workshops around campus and guest speakers.” – Nicole V.
- “This experience was amazing! The pitch competition really allowed us to show everything we learned, and I’m proud of how well we did.” – Siyana S.
Student Testimonials
The Rising Starters Summer Camp was a resounding success, with students and their families expressing immense satisfaction with the program. Here are just a few testimonials:
- Kayla O.: “This wasn’t just a camp; it was a life-changing experience!”
- Heaven G.: “I realized that I have the power to start my own business.”
- Narinder D. (parent): “My daughter gained so much confidence and knowledge in just one week.”
- Nicole V. (parent): My daughter enjoyed the hands-on workshops around campus and guest speakers.”
Shaping the Future of Local Entrepreneurship
The Rising Starters Summer Camp continues to be a valuable platform for aspiring young entrepreneurs. By fostering creativity, innovation, and practical skills, we are helping to shape the future of local businesses.
As we continue to host these camps and pitch competitions, we are committed to providing young entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to turn their ideas into reality.
We are excited to see what our Rising Starters will achieve in the years to come.
