At last week's Youth Entrepreneurship Academy event, nervous but
well-spoken high school students presented to a panel of five mock
investors. Just days before, the students were given a two-page
case study describing a real product. With the help of mentors, Joe
Sandin, Erin Mayo, and David Batcheller, the students gathered,
analyzed and organized available research in an attempt to persuade
the "tough and demanding investors" to fund their products.
"This is the kind of experience that can be life-changing," said
Sandin. Only six students and three local mentors were invited to
participate in NDSU's Youth Entrepreneur Academy this year. The
academy, developed by the NDSU Research and Technology Park, has
created a very exclusive opportunity that encourages and engages
entrepreneurs in the Fargo-Moorhead area. "This is a once in a
lifetime opportunity, especially for someone in high school," said
Sandin. "I wish I would have had the opportunity to do something
like this when I was in high school."
Supporting entrepreneurs of all ages helps a community in many
ways. Entrepreneurs start businesses and create jobs. Their ideas
and products spark new ideas and products, which creates an upward
and outward spiral of economic development. When asked why he
participates as a mentor Sandin said, "Because I enjoy working with
young adults helping them gain experience in entrepreneurship and
learning how to create and present a solid business idea to
investors." Encouraging young entrepreneurs ensures the
continuation of new ideas and businesses within a
community.
According to Sandin, mentors also benefit by participating.
"There's great satisfaction in helping young people understand what
it takes to be an entrepreneur and the opportunity to learn a lot
about different business and industries," he said.
More information about the "once in a lifetime opportunities"
available at the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy is available
through the Research and Technology Park at http://www.ndsuresearchpark.com/siteselectors/Pages/default.aspx.
More information about Joe Sandin can be found at www.onsharp.com or on LinkedIn at
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/joe-sandin/2/257/31b.
