Young Entrepreneurs Gain Experience
The McPherson Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Network Kansas, hosted students from McPherson High School and Canton Galva at the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) on December 10th at the McPherson Community Building. The students competed with business ideas to win cash prizes.
Contestants were evaluated on three sections of participation- an executive summary about their business, trade show booth, and a four-minute presentation to the panel of local judges. The public was invited to contribute and vote on the People’s Choice for their favorite trade show booth.
Jayce Gunn, a Junior at McPherson High School, credited his numerous family members in the medical field for his idea for The Ratchet Patch, a tourniquet-like bandage for emergency treatment. “From my research, I found the military is using something similar in Afghanistan, but nothing like it exists mainstream for emergency medicine,” said Jayce. “I had lots of ideas, but this one would actually save lives, so it moved to the top of my list.” Jayce’s passion for his idea won him the People’s Choice Award for the day.
Emerson and Makinlee Hoppes and Jayden Orth of Canton-Galva, all current pet-sitters, saw a need in their community for a dog boarding service. “Country JEM Dog Boarding Facilities would provide both farm and city dogs with plenty of space to run around, 24 hour surveillance, and a safe place to stay” said the team. “We even have a family farm in mind that could house it.”
During the awards lunch, first prize of $600 was awarded to Allison Randa of McPherson High School for her concept Re-Threaded, an activewear line made from recycled fabrics. Allison will be eligible to continue competing at the state competition (KEC) at Kansas State University on April 28th. The Ratchet Patch took second place winning $400. The third place prize of $200 was shared by Country JEM Dog Boarding Facilities. Other contestants’ ventures included a healthy food truck, provider of positive workplace messages, hair growth oil, and a clothing line for very tall men.
In addition to winning prizes, Debbie Hawkinson, Director of the McPherson Chamber shared about The McPherson County Entrepreneurship Community Loan Program. Administered by the McPherson Chamber in partnership with Network Kansas, its purpose is to encourage entrepreneurial activity in the communities of McPherson County. This “gap funding” option can help new businesses, business expansions, and successions fund the portion of costs not covered by bank loans. Rebecca Sweaney, Network Kansas Product Manager for Rural Entrepreneurship in the South-Central Region told the students, “You don’t have to be an expert in every aspect to start your business. In this room there are experts in most of the areas you will need. ” Sweaney, an entrepreneur herself, owns both a hair salon and a coffee shop in Caney, Kansas.
The McPherson Chamber extends heartfelt gratitude to the local judges who dedicated their time and expertise to the event: Mikel Golden (McPherson Police Department), Ben Coffey (The Ark Antiques and Flea Market), Katy Aichele (Peoples Bank and Trust), Johni Doughman (McPherson Main Street), Amy Beckman (McPherson College), and Treg Fawl (Farmers State Bank). Special thanks also to teachers Tess Spencer from Canton Galva High School and Chris Strathman from McPherson High School for guiding students toward entrepreneurship.