SCAP student has top business plan yet again

STRATTON—It’s becoming somewhat of a tradition.
For the fourth year in a row, a student from the Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program in Stratton has captured first place in the business plan competition for secondary students in the Kenora-Rainy River districts.
Following in the footsteps of Heidi Friesen, Andrew Friesen, and Brandon Olsen, Felicia Schmutz was honoured with a luncheon and a laptop computer Tuesday at the school.
“I was really surprised, shocked,” said the Grade 11 student, who obviously was overwhelmed by all the attention.
“I was surprised I even got it sent in at all because my jump drive wasn’t working the day the submissions were due,” she added.
For her business plan, which Schmutz prepared for her entrepreneurship class last spring, she developed a non-profit business called “Adopt-a-Doll,” where she sold hand-made Guatemalan dolls—complete with an adoption certificate.
The money she raised from selling the $2, two-inch dolls went towards building shelters for residents in Guatemala.
“I really like helping people and knowing it’s for a good cause,” Schmutz stressed, noting many families in Guatemala currently sleep and work in the same shelter.
“There’s smoke from cooking in the same room they are sleeping in,” she remarked. “And some get lung disease. . . . It’s important to make a healthier environment for the children.”
She said the families need to separate shelter for eating and sleeping.
Each structure costs $370 and Schmutz earned enough proceeds to build two 20 ft. x 20 ft. units, which will be made from corrugated metal.
And next month she will be heading to Guatemala to help build the shelters and distribute clothes and food.
Schmutz’s business plan is different than so many others because of her decision to develop a non-profit business to help people in need, instead of selling a product to benefit herself.
Her teacher, Phill Giles, said that may be one reason her business plan caught the attention of the judges.
“It’s a very interesting idea,” he noted. “And it showed she was interested in contributing to not only her local community because she’s involved in other things, but she’s always interested in helping those less fortunate.”
Carmela Laffin, with the Northwest Business Centre in Kenora, told Schmutz and her classmates during the luncheon that the judges for the business plan competition had been thoroughly impressed with the work produced from SCAP students.
“It is a huge accomplish participating and everyone should be very proud of themselves,” Laffin enthused.
She encouraged the students to submit plans again this year, as it may by the last time the Northwest Business Plan Contest will be held.
“That’s not to say that their won’t be similar initiatives started on a smaller scale,” she indicated. “We need to invest in all of you because you will pave the way for what will take place in the future.”
Russ Fortier, chair of the Rainy River Future Development Corp., Jack McMaster, director of education with the Rainy River District School Board, and SCAP vice-principal Don McBride all offered congratulatory words to Schmutz and the other students.
“I’m really pleased to see you have these opportunities to learn,” McMaster said. “And it may be something you want to venture into in the future.”
“It’s so nice to see the students working hard and being rewarded for their hard work. . . . It’s amazing what they’ve learned,” McBride added.
Giles also was thanked for his hard work and the time he spent with the students on their business plans.
“Winning is not always his goal,” McBride said of Giles. “He’s just wants the students to do the very best they are capable of doing.”
Schmutz’s business plan now will move on to compete at the region level and if she wins there, it will compete provincially.
A ceremony will be held Nov. 24 in Kenora, where the business plan winners at both levels will be announced.
Schmutz’s parents will attend the event on her behalf since she will be in Guatemala at that time.
(Fort Frances Times)