Spotlight on SCORE Clients

Bay Trail Middle School in Penfield

May 2005

Two years ago the Rochester SCORE Chapter was asked to provide business plan assistance to an 8th grade business class at the Bay Trail Middle School in Penfield, New York. One of our counselors, Larry Clarke, met with the teacher to determine how he could assist her. Here is his summary of went happened next.

“We decided that I would prepare a sample business plan for her use. I would also assist in one class session by talking about the content and use of a business plan and the mission of SCORE. As “the Business Consultant”, I have read each student’s business plan prior to his or her arrival in class. I’m now ready to discuss their plans strengths and weakness as the students discuss their business with me. This is done to improve the student’s plan so that he/she each “receives” loans from the Bay Trail Loan Association Loan Officer (Teacher). The class session concludes with a question and answer period.

 “Because of our business careers, I believe that SCORE members have a resource that can supplement classroom teaching. We can provide guidance from developing business strategy, assisting in writing business plans to helping students plan and start a business. This program provides the teacher with a group of “guest” speakers who can provide real life examples from their experience. My involvement has been very enjoyable and enlightening. The business plans I’ve read are well thought out and very well written. Proposed businesses have included horsemanship and the boarding of horses, landscaping and owning and managing a ski resort. Most students explain and defend their business plan with enthusiasm and a depth of understanding (due to prior research). I believe combining the enthusiasm of the student with the wisdom of the SCORE member provides a win-win situation. There is no doubt in my mind that this class is well taught by a caring teacher and they are performing far beyond the courses I remember from 55 years ago.”

HOME AND CAREER SKILLS

“Where Academics Meet the Real World”

 This is Not Your Mother’s Home Ec Class!

By Mrs. Johanna McKeever

     Over the years the scope of the cooking and sewing class has broadened immensely! The subject area is now known as Family and Consumer Sciences and at the middle school level, the class is called “Home and Career Skills”. The New York State Board of Regents mandates every student in the state, both girls and boys, have a minimum of 30 weeks of instruction some time during grades 6-8. In Penfield, and eastside suburb of Rochester, it is divided between seventh and eight grades, with 20 weeks of the course work taken in eight grades. A large part of the eight grade curriculum at my school, Bay Trail Middle School, is exploring the world of work, career exploration and entrepreneurship.

      During the last four years I have developed a true to life, an authentic ntrepreneurship unit that lasts about five weeks. All my eight graders work on a business plan based on an idea for a business that they might really like to start, either in high school, as a part time job, or when an adult, as a full time career. They may begin a sole proprietorship or a partnership. To keep it simple I don’t allow more than two people to work together.

      In the fall of 2001, I saw a 1”x 2” ad in the local Penny Saver advertising SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Businesses”. I had never heard of SCORE but I called the number to see if there was something they could do for me. I was forwarded to Mr. Larry Clarke, the Rochester area’s business plan expert. We met and I told him what I was doing. I asked if he would like to get involved. Yes, he would!

      Larry provided materials that both he and I use with the students. He talks to them about their Mission Statement and both long and short term goals. He provided a list of “best guess” start up costs for rent, utilities, equipment, salaries, insurance, etc. Larry also wrote Jack Paddle’s business plan for eight graders. The students can understand the idea of starting a canoe and kayak rental business!

Larry Clarke reviews a student's business plan	Bill Cameron reviews the business plan of two students

      Shortly after the students begin to fill out their six-page business plan, I collect their packets after class. Mr. Clarke comes to school a few hours before the next class begins and reads over what the groups have done so far. He takes notes on areas where he can offer suggestions.

      At the start of class, Mr. Clarke talks to the whole class giving suggestions that apply to all or most of the groups. Then the budding entrepreneurs go for on-on-one counseling with Mr. Clarke, the Business Consultant, to specifically address individual situations and concerns. The students love the attention and listen carefully and take notes. The whole classroom has a very business-like, professional atmosphere. The students are very intent because after they get their business plan and ideas together, they need to go to the Loan Officer of Bay Trail Bank and Trust, me! I interview the students about their business; ask tough questions to see if they have really thought things through. Their goal is to get their loan approved for whatever amount they need to get their business up and running an supported for six months. I have approved business start up costs fro $25 up to one million dollars. (Of course no real money is involved). The eight graders are so excited IF and when they get their loan approved!

      The unit continues with the students filling out a job application, writing a resume, interview each other for a job in the business they are starting and also an ethical problem with the newly hired employee. By the end of the five weeks the students have experienced many facets of the real world of business. It is an enjoyable unit for me because the business ideas are interesting and always different.  It’s enlightening to see the students struggle to think deeply abut what it really would be like to start and run their own business. It’s fun as they soak up Mr. Clarke’s suggestions because they know he can help them get the needed funds from the bank!

      New York State is pushing for higher standards and “authentic ssessments”. Planning to start a business is one of the most challenging things you can do. Getting your business plan approved and backed by a bank is about as real world as it gets. This partnership between Bay Trail Middle School and SCORE is a win/win situation. They (and their parents) learn about the free services that SCORE offers. Larry has a much better idea of what happens in schools and what eight graders can accomplish! The seeds of entrepreneurship are planted and who knows what may bloom in ten or fifteen years!

        If you have an existing business or are starting a new one, consider how your company may benefit from SCORE’s counseling. Call for a free counseling appointment at one of our many locations. While you are there, ask your SCORE counselor how you might tap into our 60-plus membership knowledge bank to further address your particular business and industry concerns.