Young entrepreneurs ‘inspire’ at I.D.E.A. Summit
May 8, 2024
The Langley Events Centre’s Fieldhouse building was a busy place Tuesday (May 7) as young entrepreneurs from across the District wowed their fellow students, parents, staff and community members with their creativity and innovative ideas.
Beginning in the morning, elementary and middle school students set up booths where they marketed and sold their creations – which this year, came with a twist: all products had to include at least one recycled or upcycled item.
Among this year’s marketplace booths were brightly coloured piggy banks made out of plastic bottles; Barbie clothes made from upcycled fabrics; flower pots; games and puzzles and more.
And judging by how quickly many booths sold out of for-sale items, it’s safe to say the creations were popular with guests.
“It’s letting students have choice and voice, inspiring students to pursue a passion
that’s really of interest to them, supporting students along their journey,” said District principal Kendra Simonetto. “Then to see it all come to fruition in a real life setting that’s actually a true marketplace and have students speak to that journey, it’s everything that we could ever hope for as educators.”
After the closure of the marketplace, a group of community mentors selected their favourite booths, products and sales pitches for awards that were handed out in the afternoon, capping off a very memorable day of learning and inspiration.
“I think business partners in the community who are joining us as mentors are seeing the next generation of potential entrepreneurs,” Simonetto said.
Among the many awards handed out was the Secondary Student Top Pitch and Outstanding Idea award, which went to four D.W. Poppy Secondary students – Alexandra, Avery, Sophia and Brooke – for their School Compass app concept, which they explained would be a one-stop shop for students’ school-related phone apps, such as MyEdBC, My School Day and others.
“Our idea was to make it easier for students to navigate through their school apps because there are so many apps for students to use to find simple things, and simple tasks, like find their grades or find their classes every day,” said Avery. “So, combining them all into one app called School Compass, we thought it would be easier for students and we also had some new ideas like a section for post-secondary with application deadlines, upcoming events, and requirements for that.”
“Having this one app makes it so much easier and convenient for everyone,” added Brooke.
Other I.D.E.A. Summit Awards that were handed out included Middle School Top Pitch and Outstanding Idea, which went to Joanna (Joanna’s Designs); Elementary Top Pitch and Outstanding Idea, which went to Ariella (Dem Lucky Shoes); Elementary Outstanding Pitch, which went to both Yash (Mini-ball Game) and Tyse (Emotional Stuffies), while the Outstanding Booth Award went to Emma (Crazy 4 Crayons). The Outstanding Innovation Award went to elementary student Nivian (Web Shooters) while Vivienne (Botanical Blossoms) won for Outstanding Business Plan.