Learn how to leverage educational institutions and make career placement programs work for you, says Kerry Engel of Alberta Agriculture’s ag-entrepreneurship division.
Innovative entrepreneurs have their choice of co-operative work programs, class projects, foreign exchanges and fundraising opportunities.
Student brain power can help entrepreneurs with educational programs, event and business planning, construction, communications, design, retailing, historical programs, nutrition, landscaping plans, drama development, training, market research, food processing, graphic design, translation, software and website development and hospitality.
There are many examples of how entrepreneurs have can make good use of students.
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Business plan
Bill Bakan of Maize Valley Farm Market in Hartville, Ohio, had a student do a business plan for his haunted maze. The plan was part of a class credit project for summer work. Bakan used the data that the student collected to make decisions in his operation.
“It helped us define our break-even point,” Bakan said. “Plus, I set a budget that allowed me to make the new enterprise work within the investment-return parameters that I maintain for our agri-tourism events and offerings.”
The business plan also provided a basis for the Bakans to evaluate the project and determine what the business should do the following year. It showed them that they needed to do more haunting; in other words, boost the ag tourism side of the business. They decided to double their efforts in that area.
Funding program
For two years Karen Legault of Paradise Hill Farm in Nanton, Alta., participated in the Sectoral Youth Career Focus Program run by Human Resources Development Canada.
Paradise Hill Farm grows vegetables, lamb, beef and wool and markets part of its production though a farm store.
The program is a national work experience initiative by the federal government and other partners.
It helps employers hire recent graduates by offering a wage subsidy of up to a third of participants’ salary to a maximum of $15,000.
More information on the program is available at www.youth.gc.ca.
Training entrepreneurs
The agri-business program at Olds College in Olds, Alta., allows students to enrol in a directed field study program.
Students are expected to be paid and employers work with the college to help students achieve their learning goals. To learn more, call Elaine Thrale at Olds College at 403-556-8360.
Filling void
Erin Beltran has participated in a variety of work programs throughout her education, including an internship on organic farms in Ireland.Ê
Now, a recent graduate with a geography major and a visual arts minor, she works for Vollmer Farms, a farm involved in agritourism near Bunn, North Carolina.Ê
“I represent a different generation. The next generation so to speak. The one you need to market to.”
She uses her skills in media and graphics to prepare press kits and newsletters. She redesigned the farm graphic, designed new promotional hats and T-shirts, drew maps and created walking trails, said her employer Mary Vollmer.
Vollmer believes there are many benefits to having a recent graduate in her business.
“Erin brings us youthful energy, great ideas, a set of fresh eyes and a devil’s advocate.”
Beltran advised employers that good direction is key; direction combined with responsibility. Don’t take an on intern if you are looking only for labour, she said. Interns are looking for something more involved. They want to interact and work to develop new skills.Ê
Outsider’s perspective
Mark Saunders of Saunders Farm, an award winning agritourism venture near Ottawa that hosts picnics, corporate retreats and seasonal events, allowed his business to be part of a student review for an event planning program.
“It was great to get an outsider’s perspective,” he said.”Now the young lady who wrote the paper works for us.”
For several years Saunders Farm also used local high school drama clubs to run its haunted house in exchange for an honourarium that went toward the school’s annual productions.
A bonus for the farm was the many paid admissions that the students brought in the form of parents and friends.
Co-op education
Canadian Association for Co-operative Education is a resource for educators, students and employers interested in the co-operative education process. Visit www.cafce.ca for more information.
