Bella Vista students showcase business skills
by Brian DiTullio

CAVE CREEK - Forget reality shows starring Donald Trump, Bella Vista Private School is grooming the next generation of entrepreneurs right here in Cave Creek.

Middle school students at Bella Vista Private School opened their respective businesses for one night last Friday as part of a school project educating them on what it takes to start up a business in Arizona.

Middle School teacher Mike Olson said the students are tasked with creating a unique product, making a prototype, and then test
marketing the product.

"They go around and ask their friends, 'Would you buy something like this?'" he said, adding the students then do some market research and develop an advertising campaign.

Once the research is done, students must go through the process of obtaining a loan through an actual business.

"The loan amount is limited to $40 at eight percent interest that they have to pay back," said Olson.

Once the operating capital is acquired, the students have one night to sell their products and cover their debts.

"Any money left over goes toward paying bills such as advertising, retail," said Olson. "Then ... we dissolve the companies."

Abigail McKee, 12, a sixth grader at the school, was one of a trio of girls selling custom made blankets at the event.

"I think it's been a really good experience for the students and the school. I hope we do it again soon," said McKee.

Ryan Nemger, 14, an eighth grader selling coupon holders for attachment to the refrigerator, said his group made their money back a half hour into the evening.

"Sales are good," said Nemger.

Olson wasn't alone in this project. Helping him out were teacher Cassie Noel and Principal Lisa Artenian.

"They take each other's ideas and build off of each other," said Noel. "They learn how to keep track of money transact business, you know, important stuff."

"They learn teamwork," said Olson. "Different ages, different talents-it's a real mix. It teaches them how a small, entrepreneurial business can take off."