NFTE 2006 Biz Camp

The Kelley Small Business Institute completed its first one-week National Federation of Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Biz Camp for High School students during July 15-23, 2006. It was decided to concentrate on one area of the Pee Dee Region and Marion High School was selected to be the pilot program due the high unemployment rate in Marion County. The teachers were asked to select 14 rising juniors and seniors that exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit 

During the week of the NFTE Biz Camp, a certified NFTE instructor held class sessions to teach the components of entrepreneurship. The students were able to learn outside of the traditional classroom setting with themed games to understand business concepts and field trips to local entrepreneurs. 

In order to determine the grasp of the material, students were asked to develop a business plan for their own business idea.  Each student presented their completed business plan in front of a panel of judges and the top four were selected to compete in the finals.  The four finalists presented their plans to new panel and cash prizes were given. The camp was noted as a success due to the level of growth of the students at the end of the week and the $20,000 sponsorship from Wachovia Bank to cover the associated expenses for the week long camp.

Marion High School , Marion , SC

Marion County

Biz Camp Business Plans

1^st Place Tameka Baldwin – Additional Knowledge Tutoring Service

2^nd Place Essense Eaddy – Essense Day Spa

3^rd Place Desmond Cox – Future Plan Football Camp

4^th Place Keith Hammonds – Sweet Serenity Creative Ice Cream

Fashea’ Alford – Relationship Therapy Office

Prestina Brock – Brock’s Skating Rink

Amber Coleman – Steppa United Dance Group

Shaila Cross – Clothing Store

Shilla Cross – Community Center

Whitney Moody – Moody Daycare

Buck Reynolds – Buck’s Clubs and Stuff Golf Store

Matthew Scruggs – Observatory Productions

Christopher Townsend – Football Camp

Ross Stroud – Stroud Custom Car Garage