Budding entrepreneurs sharpen their talents

The Club Kidpreneur foundation’s series of after-school programs and holiday camps in Bondi began on Wednesday, April 11.

Local entrepreneurs will help youth camp guides who are eight to 12 years old by instructing them on business goals, measuring profitability, creating innovative merchandise, designing logos and marketing.

Founder Creel Price believes the eight-week program and four-day camps provide a distinct alternative to the “anti-business” curriculum offered at Australian schools.

He said the foundation emphasises the significant lessons to be learnt from persistence and developing one’s own individual conclusions from making mistakes.

“In schools we encourage artistic skills, sporting skills, academic skills – but some kids don’t excel in those areas,” he said. “[What we do is that] we encourage failure. If one business fails, it doesn’t mean you give up. You give it another shot.”

The Sydney social entrepreneur developed his idea for the Club Kidpreneur Foundation upon starting a management consultancy firm at the age of 25, and then successfully selling it within a decade for $100 million.

“It’s a recognition that there’s something missing in the school curriculum,” Mr Price said. “We teach financial literacy, we show kids how to respect money. I find that when you earn money yourself, you tend to respect it.”

He started his first businesses while still at school – one building teaspoon racks, another selling strawberries and honey. He says that he wants to show business-minded young people “that they have a part in society. That business can be a force for good.”

Nikki James, 29, started her own marketing and communications firm, and volunteers in a Club Kidpreneur after-school program at Coogee Primary School.

“When kids learn to start their own business, they gain so much confidence. They really change,” she said.

Ms James remembers one boy who started the program, “very shy, sitting by himself.”

“But he really ‘got’ it, and ended up making iPhone holders out of felt. He made $150 in two hours,” she recalled.

The most interesting element of the foundation is its accessibility for a younger audience and the empowering sense of individuality that the foundation aims to deliver.

“They realise they don’t have to rely on other people giving them money”, Ms James said. “They can earn it themselves.”

In past years, participants have started businesses that involved selling door hangers, pet rocks, hot dogs and candles.

Poppy Olsen attended the camp last year, where she started her own greeting card business.

“I chose what I’m good at,” she said, “and I really like drawing.”

“I learnt that you have to keep trying, even if people don’t really like what you’re selling at the start. You have to keep improving.”

Poppy continues to sell her greeting cards at local market stalls, which are a pivotal part of the Club Kidpreneur foundation. This year, the events will culminate in a Market Day, where the kids will be able to take their ideas to a local market and sell their wares.

By Michael Safi