No one ever said starting a business is easy, but most entrepreneurs agree owning a business is totally worth it.  For four BHS Students, that was enough incentive, along with a $10,000 prize potential, to enter the West Virginia High School Business Plan Competition.

 

The competition, now in its third year, was designed to inspire young entrepreneurs to create viable business options to boost the state’s economy.  97% of businesses in West Virginia are classified as small businesses and there are over 37,000 high school juniors and seniors with fresh ideas on what the market needs. 

 

Steve Cutright, Director  of BrickStreet Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, has created a collaborative environment in which area business professionals partner with students to create business plans.  The first idea submissions were made this week, with finalists being announced soon.

 

BHS Senior Brady Hillegas created his business idea with the help of partner Haden Miller.  After discussing the aging population of the state, they decided to create a delivery service for groceries that could be aimed at those unable to drive or at college students who have limited transportation options.  “We wanted to create a convenient alternative for grocery shopping and potentially locate it in Morgantown,” said Hillegas, who has always been interested in entrepreneurship.  “The fact that the competition benefits West Virginians was a real selling point for us and we were excited about the opportunity to gain some essential workplace experiences as well.”

 

Senior Cassie Perry had environmental concerns at the root of her business idea.  She would like to provide more affordable solar energy supplies to individuals and businesses and raise awareness of the benefits of solar energy.  Her plan also includes training and installation as well as education.  “I am hoping to become familiar with the skills needed to start and run a successful company,” said Perry.

 

The final entry came from Brody Ingram, a junior at BHS.  He has learned all about entrepreneurship from his dad, who owns several local businesses.   His idea is to create a mobile snow removal service that could chase storms to remote areas that need help removing snow.  “A lot of our state is rural and people get stuck in some of these big snow storms.  My business would drive to wherever we are needed, set up operations, and contact businesses that could use our service,” said Ingram.

 

The business plan competition also teaches students to analyze their potential markets, create a marketing plan, identify competitors and develop a financial statement.  “This is such a wonderful opportunity for students to learn the ins and outs of business ownership while we also have the chance to earn scholarship money,” said Ingram.