In August, the Edwards School of Business hosted its third Entrepreneurship Summer Youth Camp. The camp was designed to inspire the entrepreneurial minds of youth ages nine to fourteen by introducing them to fundamental business principles in areas such as marketing, finance, operations and production.

Campers spent a week applying what they have learned to develop their products or services. By the end of the week, they had the opportunity to showcase their micro-businesses at the business fair held at the USask Bowl. 

“We had one week to develop a business plan, create a budget, buy supplies, make our product, and then market/sell it,” emphasized Autumn Kosar, a youth camper.  

New to this year, a second week of camp was added in response to the growing popularity of the program, allowing for two different groups of youth each week. The camp also welcomed returning campers to participate in the program.  

“I am fortunate to attend several camps each summer. The Edwards Entrepreneurship Summer Camp is the best camp ever! I’m already working on my business plan for next year!” exclaimed Kosar.  

Many new and returning customers came to support the youth entrepreneurs on both business fair days.  

“The commitment, hard work and enthusiasm that the kids have is impressive and we all witness that on Friday when we bought their products,” said Andres Carillo, senior camp leader.  

The camp hosted a total of 40 campers and 36 businesses in week one and a total of 37 campers and 30 businesses in week two. The businesses had a diverse range of offerings from jewellery, iced drinks, food, keychains, artwork, tote bags, and many more. 

“We made emphasis in the process of handling food products due to several allergies from other campers. Nevertheless, we were impressed on how the kids did it with packaging and labels,” said Carillo. 

Each camper received a start-up loan of $100 to help with initial funding. Although the camp focuses on business lessons and practical experience rather than repayment or profit, most campers successfully repaid their loans, with many even turning a profit.   

“We received a loan to buy supplies, and we got to keep any profit we made once the loan was paid off. We were able to make our own posters and set up our displays. I also made a lot of friends that week, and we all supported each other,” explained Kosar.  

To further highlight the camp’s success, numerous campers placed pre-orders for their products after they sold out at the business fair.  

“Each young entrepreneur showcased not just products, but the value of imagination and determination,” said Edwards School of Business Acting Dean Dr. Marjorie Delbaere (PhD). “I truly enjoyed engaging with the entrepreneurs and hearing their sales pitches at the business fair. The camp illustrates the importance of nurturing the next generation of business leaders.” 

The camp is made possible for the third time by the generous support of long-time donors and friends of the college, Gordon and Maureen Haddock. Both entrepreneurs are dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship at the Edwards School of Business and across the province.  

Similar to the camp, the Get a Bigger Wagon Young Entrepreneur Awards, also initiated by the Haddocks, encourages young individuals ages seven to eighteen to develop and operate their own business. Participants compete to be the best business in their category, with winners announced and awarded with cash prizes at the ceremony held in conjunction with the Haddock Entrepreneurial Speaker Series—an event that provides the Edwards community an opportunity to hear from and be inspired by an established entrepreneur.   

The NSBA and Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce have also generously supported the camp by promoting the business fair event.  

To learn more, follow the Edwards School of Business on LinkedIn or Facebook to stay updated.  

If you’d like to participate in next year’s camp, you can view the webpage here.  

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