Starting your own business from the ground up and trying to make money is something everyone can do, but it is no easy task, especially for people with no experience on how to get started. The Wentzville School District’s Ignite program teaches kids on how this process is done.
This program converts your ideas into money as you, and Ignite program leader Shaun Simms sit down, 1-on-1, and go through each step on how to make money from a professional business.
Addison Craven (12) describes it as an entrepreneurship incubator.
“A lot of classes are more training, though. This is physical, you are creating that business that you have dreamed of creating,” Craven said.
There’s no limits to what business you want to make. Mason Banfield (12) started a clothing business called Outlier for people who go to the gym.
“I won’t be selling any until next year but so far it’s been going pretty well,” Banfield said.
Similarly, Lucas Westhoff (12) is creating a business that is a classical car and truck dealership.
“It’s something that I’ve loved doing for years and will continue to do such with the new knowledge I have about how business works,” Westhoff said. “What led me to join the Ignite program was the opportunity to learn and create something that would lead me to not live a normal 9 to 5 life that I’ve dreaded doing for years. The Ignite program has helped me realize this dream of not working a 9 to 5 everyday through the things I’ve learned.”
Banfield joined the program because he’s always liked business and wanted to become an entrepreneur.
“When I learned about this program, I saw it as an opportunity to take a step towards what I wanted to do in my future,” Banfield said.
The only prerequisites to join Ignite is you must be a junior or senior with 95% attendance and being a good student overall. If someone wants to join or is thinking about joining the Ignite Program, you should start off by talking to your counselor.
Craven gives some words for kids thinking about joining the program.
“Don’t feel like you’re too young or that people won’t take you seriously, because if you don’t have that confidence, other people aren’t gonna see it in you,” Craven said. “It doesn’t magically happen. So definitely take those first steps yourself, set those goals, and then take any opportunities that come your way.”
