Entrepreneurship class gains popularity

It appears the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well among Yorkton’s youth.

Yorkton Regional High School students filled two full Entrepreneurship classes this semester resulting in four businesses.

The Grade 11/12 course teaches students the fundamentals of business and commerce while giving them an opportunity to get practical experience in running a business.

Students take a business from the ground up from brainstorming through product development and planning to manufacturing, marketing and sales.

Kristine Kreklewich, who teaches the classes is very proud of the initiative and effort the kids have shown.

“Students are taking ownership of their learning, and the success of their companies depends on them,” she said. “A lot of extra hours are spent outside of class by these students, but they’re willing to put these hours in order to succeed. Students take pride and ownership within their companies, and are self-motivated to do well.”

This year’s businesses include Prairie Antler Co., Blissful Bath Bar, Natural Wood Lighting and K-Korn.

Prairie Antler Co. makes decorative household items such as picture frames and coat racks using antler horns.

Blissful Bath Bar manufactures bath bombs and Epson salt jars for men and women.

Natural Wood Lighting sells rustic tea candle holders made from raw pieces of timber.

K-Korn is a candied pop-corn company.

All four businesses participated in the Harvest Showdown and have a marketing presence on social media.

Cole Esquash, vice president of human resources for Prairie Antler Co. says there is more to it than learning.

“It’s fun,” he said. “For me personally, it’s been easy because I’ve always been able to have a business attitude, like be professional in the workplace, talk to people and get my product out there.”

As the HR guy, he said, his challenge was getting his classmates to come out of their shells and help with the marketing and sales side of the business.

The groups have until Christmas to turn a profit. They all said sales were good at Harvest Showdown. Their next event is the YRHS Cheer and Junior Achievement Christmas Craft and Trade Show taking place at the high school this Sunday.

The entrepreneurship program is supported by Junior Achievement, a volunteer organization started in the United States in 1919. The Saskatchewan chapter was founded in 1977 by members of the Saskatoon Rotary Club. JA Saskatchewan is funded largely by corporate donations including a major sponsorship from Sasktel.

Kreklewich gives a good deal of credit to the program.

“This class is a very popular elective largely due to the Junior Achievement program that has been implemented over the last few years,” she said.