Petawawa's container market in 2024.
More than 100 student entrepreneurs from two Upper Ottawa Valley schools will bring their business ideas to market this week as part of a hands-on entrepreneurship program aimed at building real-world skills.
Students from Valour JK-12 School and Champlain Discovery Public School will take part in a one-day Entrepreneurship Market on May 22 at the Petawawa Container Market.
The event, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature 40 student-run businesses operated by 108 young entrepreneurs.
The market is part of the Entrepreneurship Education Pilot Project, which gives students experience developing business plans, prototyping products and pitching their ideas before selling directly to customers.
Products on display will range from home décor and artisanal goods to outdoor equipment and other practical items.
Organizers say the program is designed to help students build skills such as financial literacy, critical thinking and resilience by exposing them to the risks and rewards of running a business.
“Starting a business while still in school is no small thing,” said Destiny Genoe, inspired learning coach for the Petawawa and Pembroke family of schools. “These students are launching 40 ventures on May 22nd. Come out and see what they’ve built.”
Members of the public are being encouraged to attend the market to support the students and explore the products they have created.
Both schools offer early French immersion programming and emphasize experiential learning opportunities intended to help students develop leadership and workplace skills.
(Steve Berard)
