In just a day and a half of work at Southeastern Community College’s Small Business Center this week, three teams of students from four area high schools created three business plans based on real-time needs in Columbus County. The first cohort of SCC’s Youth Entrepreneurship Camp, which included 4 Thomas Academy students, wowed their audience with full business plans complete with set-up costs, logos, designed floor plans and even commercials they acted out for the judges. Then judges decided on the best pitch of the three, which was The Brick and Mortar Construction Company. Winners received laptops from sponsor Provalus.

SCC president Chris English said he wished he had a similar experience before owning his own business.

“I’m a former garage owner, but I went into it blind not understanding the capacity it would take to run a business,” he said. “I wish for you that you take this and lean into it. Put this in your back pocket because you might use this after graduation.”

Both Small Business Center Director Pamela Jacobs and Dr. Sylvia Cox, Chief Academic Officer, spoke of how impressed they were with the students' business presentations.

“When I look at you, I say what amazing things are going to happen to the world,” Dr. Cox said.

Sponsors included Provalus, Woodmen of the World, FOCUS Broadband, SCC Foundation, A Sweet Discovery, Candlewood Farm, Penn’s Grill and Signs and Designs.

Jacobs said the judges were evaluating students on “community fit and community benefit. What is a business that this community needs and can be successful here.” Students also had to learn principles of marketing, audience, working with unknown peers, budgeting, target problems and who were there local competitors. Other businesses included a Skating and Game Center and a technology assistance business for the elderly.