The Golden Region Youth Network/Golden Youth Centre (GRYN/GYC) participated in the Build-A-Business Program (BAB) through Kootenay Association of Science and Technology (KAST), in partnership with Impact Toolbox, throughout February.
Five youth from various walks of life with various skill sets and interests came together for a multi-day intensive to learn how to build a business.
The team participated in six modules that taught them about different skillsets that make great entrepreneurs, identified their strengths, differences, and things they have in common.
They also learned about different business modules; learned about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and identified issues important to them and within their capacity to address; they also learned how to tell compelling stories to present their business and write a plan to address the issues through their own venture.
The students became the GRYN Committee of Directors (GRYNCOD) and developed their business, titled “Thrift’n Flips.” All students have delegated roles to help run the business through identifying their strengths and determining who would best fit the roles needed for the business to run effectively.
The BAB team submitted their business abstract titled, “Thrift’n Flips” to KAST and its partner in the project, Impact Toolbox, on Feb. 28 and were successful in placing among six out of 39 teams to move on to showcase their business idea to a team of experts for consideration of a $2,500 prize.
“It was a great opportunity to try something rewarding and fun. I worked with the team in the Columbia Basin Trust’s Leadership Journey Part One and Two programs in the past, and I was excited to work with them on this.
“The enthusiasm and interest in working together are just the coolest part of it all. Everyone has differences, and they not only put it all aside to work together; they showed respect for each other’s differences by deciding on roles that best suit their skillsets and offset the gaps, which is super efficient; and this team is great at being honest with each other, something I feel is important – and they’re respectful about it. I am so proud of them,” says Wegelin.
With a successful and interesting project idea. The GRYNCOD went on to the finals to present their business idea to KAST and Impact Toolbox.
Two practice presentations took place prior to the final showcase, which gave them an opportunity to receive feedback to prepare a meaningful and impactful presentation at the final showcase.
On March 13, the GRYNCOD presented their business idea, “Thrift’n Flips,” at the KAST BAB showcase with an opportunity to win one of three $2,500 prizes. During the presentation, they connected with other groups from the region and presented their idea to address one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of addressing Climate Change and building Sustainable Communities.
“Thrift’n Flips” takes old clothes and redesigns and repurposes the items during community workshops at the Golden Youth Centre and brings clothes to local markets to sell, providing another opportunity for thrift shopping and building skills among youth who participate in the program.
With a tight competition among the three groups, the GRYNCOD won in the top three for Sustainability Champion.
“The prize money will allow us to implement the business. Part of the plan is to bring the business to the Farmer’s Market and bring in workshops for youth to participate in. The committee will determine what the workshops will look like.”
“Funds raised through the project will go directly back into the project to give youth more opportunities to learn skills, build the business, and include others to participate in workshops,” says Wegelin.
“Thrift’n Flips” will launch on Earth Day in April with activities planned to raise awareness about climate change and gauge interest in the types of upcycling workshops youth are interested in. Workshops will take place throughout the summer months. Expect to find “Thrift’n Flips” up and running this summer.
The GRYN Committee of Directors is putting out a call for donations of old, used, unwanted clothing, fabric, and accessories, and is interested in working with fabric artists from the community. If you are interested in participating, donating or sharing your skills, please contact: gryn.golden@gmail.com.
