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ENTREPRENEURIAL
MINDSET ISUALIZE AN ENTREPRENEUR AND WHAT DO YOU SEE? Someone speaking next to a slideshow presentation featuring line graphs and pie charts? What about a 20-year-old female who started a handcrafted electric guitar company, or a male high school senior who is in the thick of creating a prototype for a shoe designed to replenish electrolytes back into the body? The modern-day entrepreneur encompasses anyone who can identify a problem or need and create a solution. At St. Vrain’s Innovation Center, students are in the middle of designing prototypes, exploring how to establish LLCs, and pitching ideas to local investors. Through the Entrepreneurial Zone class, students create fluid business plans, conduct marketing SWOT analyses, and complete financial literacy coursework to understand what financing is required from investors to pay themselves and get their startup off the ground. 8
COMMUNITYSTRONG.SVVSD.ORG
As an intern in the Entrepreneurial Zone, Skyline senior, AnneJeanette Gonzales, is paid as a district employee to serve as a marketer, event planner, and online systems manager for community outreach, networking, and entrepreneurial events. While enrolled in the course, she is also earning college credit. Participation in programs that combine coursework and real-world experiences are transformational for students. AnneJeanette shared, “The Entrepreneurial Zone has prepared me for my future, because I have been forced to step outside of my comfort zone. When I started high school I was very shy, but now I speak at a lot of events. This program has helped me expand my network and meet industry professionals and other students who have mentored me while I apply for college.” When the Daniels Fund heard about the fledgling program, they immediately recognized the
