High schoolers got some hands-on experience pitching businesses and products this week. An event called Mini Business World lets kids put to work the concepts they’ve learned in class.
Donning their finest professional attire, students from Three Lakes and Rhinelander High Schools spent the day creating sales pitches for catchy products they invented: like an edible vaccine called Vaxilicious, the “candy that cures”. Rhinelander Senior Dominic Littleton says his group came up with the idea of a protein bar for athletes they call Panther Energy.
“And so we decided on a panther, because panthers are big hunters out in the wilderness. And we thought it would help represent our company because hey, if you eat this bar you’re gonna feel like a panther, you’re gonna feel out on the prowl as an athlete.”
At the end of the day the new companies presented their plans and competed for the popular vote from their fellow students. Panther Energies was one winner along with a company called ME Corporations. High school CEO Alison Kubeny says the group was aiming for something with wide appeal…and came up with a ring that would play music based on the mood of the wearer.
“We were just looking for something that was not too heavy, something more upbeat. And music is something that a lot of people like, so we thought it would be good for a broad audience.”
Three Lakes Highs School Business Teacher Bobbi Pulver says the day is an important chance for students to practice their presentation skills and use the business concepts they’ve talked about.
“The most valuable thing I believe for the students is to know that they don’t live in a bubble. It really helps them to enhance their learning and just see what is out there.”
And dream up some innovative product ideas along the way.
