Written by Heidi Friesen,

Student of Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program

 

Drizzle Creek was the title of my potential business.  For the contest, the business plan did not actually have to be implemented, only proposed.  Drizzle Creek would be an activity and refreshment centre with a portable mini-golf, also selling ice cream, and bottled water.  I would set up at community events in the Rainy River District throughout the summer (such as the Emo Fair or Bass Tournament) and would offer the possibility to sit down around a picnic table out of the sun or rain.

 

Creating the business plan took many hours and taught me many lessons.  I learned about time-management, organization, how to communicate with other businesses and chambers of commerce, and how essential self-motivation and dedication are to running one’s own small business.  I learned that there are people in the community who are willing to help if one only asks them.  Finally, what formal education would not have taught me, I had first-hand experience at how demanding self-employment can be, but also how rewarding.

 

Because I, Heidi Friesen, placed first in Northwestern Ontario, my business plan was forwarded to a panel of judges in Sudbury, the centre of the Northern Region.  314 business plans were submitted in spring, and then the business plans of the seven finalists, myself included, were critiqued and ranked in Sudbury.  Of the seven finalists I placed first.  Therefore, my business plan was then forwarded to a panel of judges in Toronto.  Of the 12 plans submitted for provincial judging, my business plan, Drizzle Creek, ranked third.

 

The awards banquet was held in Sudbury on November 13, with the seven regional finalists, each finalists’ guest, the regional business plan support personnel, regional judges, and other guests, present.  For placing first in the Northern Region (there were 4 regions), I received $1000.00, and for placing third in the province, I received $750.00.  The business plan contest was operated through the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, open to all Ontario secondary students.  The contest will begin again in the spring of 2005.