This summer, IGNITE Atlantic hosted the $100 Challenge Camp across New Glasgow, Yarmouth, and Digby. This dynamic four-day camp was crafted to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit among youth, providing them with a unique opportunity to conceive, develop, and launch their very own business ventures—all with just a $100 startup fund. The camp’s well-rounded schedule, featuring guest speakers from various industries and interactive activities, aimed to equip participants with essential business skills while fostering a strong sense of community among budding entrepreneurs.
A Look Back at the New Glasgow Camp
Day 1: Introduction and Ideation
The camp kicked off with an icebreaker game, Make a Friend Bingo, designed to help participants connect and get to know each other. Following this, students were given an inspiring tour of the IGNITE Atlantic facilities, setting the stage for the creative work ahead. The highlight of the day was a session with local entrepreneurs Keisha and Michael from Starberry Drink Co., who shared their entrepreneurial journey and imparted valuable wisdom on identifying business opportunities through “How Might We” statements. Pizza Delight generously provided lunch, fueling the participants as they brainstormed business ideas.
Day 2: Planning and Development
On the second day, the focus shifted to the critical aspects of planning and business development. Brian Burton, a resident entrepreneur from Instinct, captivated the students with his story of perseverance and success in the face of challenges. Representatives from RBC followed, offering insights into the financial dimensions of entrepreneurship. After enjoying a lunch provided by Pita Pit New Glasgow, students engaged in activities designed to teach the concepts of competitive advantage, and variable versus fixed costs. The day concluded with an introduction to the Business Model Canvas, a strategic tool to help them structure their business plans effectively.
Day 3: Prototyping and Market Research
Day three took learning beyond the classroom with a field trip to local businesses, including the Pictou County Partnership, Miners, and River Run Café. These visits provided students with firsthand exposure to real-world business operations. Later, Jason Turner from the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Center, alongside members of Enactus Saint Mary’s, delivered crucial lessons on refining business pitches, entrepreneurship, and crafting effective marketing strategies. The students also had the opportunity to create promotional materials.
Day 4: Presentation and Market Day
The final day was all about bringing their hard work to life. Students spent the morning finalizing preparations and setting up their market stalls. Despite less-than-ideal weather, they successfully sold their products at Murdoch Park. After the sale, participants returned to Ignite to tally their financials and reflect on their experiences. The camp concluded with a heartwarming closing ceremony where students were awarded certificates, celebrating their entrepreneurial achievements with their families.
Gratitude to Our Guest Speakers
The success of the $100 Challenge Camp was amplified by the invaluable contributions of our guest speakers: Keisha and Michael from Starberry Drink Co., Brian Burton from Instinct Dog Behaviour and Training, RBC, Jason Turner from Saint Mary’s University, and the members of Enactus Saint Mary’s. Their expertise and enthusiasm were instrumental in guiding and inspiring the youth throughout the camp.
Impact and Future Prospects
The $100 Challenge Camp was designed to ignite a passion for entrepreneurship in young minds, equipping them with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to bring their business ideas to life. Through hands-on activities and direct interaction with successful entrepreneurs, participants gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to transform a concept into a thriving venture. Events like the $100 Challenge Camp are vital in nurturing the next generation of business leaders, poised to drive innovation and economic growth in our region.
Looking forward, IGNITE Atlantic remains committed to supporting young innovators and entrepreneurs. We’re excited to continue offering enriching opportunities through other programs like the Digital Discovery Camp and the Up + Atom Camp—a unique blend of sports and science that promises to be both fun and educational.
