Two teams from Ponoka Outreach and Ponoka Composite High School consisting of five students from Maskwachees has been invited to participate in a national competition “E-Spirit – National Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition May 16-20th, 2011” in Moncton, New Brunswick.
The first team is made up of the following team members: Dean Bruno Kelln (Montana Cree Nation), Justin Ward (Ermineskin Cree Nation) and Paskwa Lightning (Samson Cree Nation). The second team consists of Cheylene Lightning (Samson Cree Nation) and Cassandra Lightning (Samson Cree Nation). The students worked extremely hard on the requirements to be invited over a four month period. Each team researched and wrote a complete business plan as well as produced a video/commercial. At the competition, they will be required to present a power point detailing their business idea as well as marketing their service through a tradeshow event. Dean, Justin and Paskwa submitted a business plan detailing a brokerage firm that provides and promotes insurance for post-secondary education to First Nation families and communities. The second team consisting of Cheylene and Cassandra submitted a business plan that detailed event planning particularly music festivals aimed at youth and young adults.
Day One is the Tradeshow Presentation and Day two, teams will be presenting their business ideas. The top nine presentations will be selected to present their business ideas finalist on Day three. Finally, the teams will celebrate the winners of each category at the awards ceremony to be held at the Delta Beausejour Hotel On Thursday, May 19th, 2011.
This competition is sponsored by the Business Development Bank of Canada for Aboriginal youth in Grades 10 to 12. Way to go students!