Local winners learning to do business better

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Four students from Saint Francis Xavier High School won third place in the national contest that promotes Aboriginal entrepreneurship and business skills.

About 250 Aboriginal students from grades 10 to 12 made up 75 teams that qualified to attend E-Spirit 2004, held in Prince George, B.C. on May 4 to 6. To qualify, students had to put a business plan together, complete seven business learning modules and submit a video promoting their company. Once at the competition they had to set up a trade booth display and make a formal presentation that promoted their business venture.

Christopher Cruz, Ashley Cruz, Jennifer Cruz and Temisha Mitchell won third place with their business Moshkwa & Co., a company that offers special events planning.

"The competition is just an amazing thing for Aboriginal students," said Gary Armstrong, the coach of the Saint Francis Xavier team. "It shows off their skills and their culture, the perspectives in Canada and the Aboriginal perspectives that are ingrained in Canadian society. It basically shows the students that they can succeed. It was amazing."

"To do this project it took a lot of dedication, a lot of sacrifices, so you can definitely see that (the students) were dedicated and they wanted to get somewhere in life," said Temisha Mitchell, who is in Grade 11.

The competition is organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Jim Richardson, national director of Aboriginal banking for BDC, said the event was organized to get Aboriginal people interested in business at a younger age. Now in its fourth year, the event has grown and the business plans are getting better and better.

"I think it says that we have such tremendous potential in our communities. It says that there are some great role models out there. There are some great ambassadors out there, and I think the future is bright. We just have to create the right climate at the community level. We have to encourage them to take those skills and push it beyond," said Richardson.

The students loved the experience of going to the University of Northern British Columbia, staying in the dorms and seeing what life is like in a post-secondary institution.

"This is something that's amazing and it can't be taught in the classroom, and the kids absolutely benefit from it," Richardson added.

The students from Saint Francis Xavier were proud to get bronze.

"All the other business plans out there were very good. It was very competitive, but we're thankful that we actually got bronze," said Jennifer Cruz, who is in Grade 12.

"The absolute dedication from all the students was phenomenal. To do all seven modules is a feat in itself. Most adults would never be able to do that," said Armstrong. "(The students') self-esteem boosts and everything. It was just a phenomenal time for the students to see the success of other Aboriginal students. It was more of a celebration than a competition."

First place was taken by students of Nbisiing Secondary School of North Bay, Ont., and second place was awarded to Saugeen district Secondary School of Port Elgin, Ont. There are plans to bring the competition to Edmonton and the University of Alberta next year.