From the Classroom

STUDENTS EXPLORE BUSINESS PLANNING

Cem Taviloglu ’19

Storm King’s History & Social Sciences Department got down to business during the fall semester–business planning, that is. Juniors and seniors in SKS’ Personal Finance and Business class took project-based learning to the next level when they were asked to create a sound business idea and prepare a detailed business plan to present as their final project during Semester 1 final exam week.

The work achieved by the students over the course of the semester was impressive; the class came up with many innovative ideas and presented slick, professional-quality business plans complete with branding and marketing recommendations, demographic research, cost analyses, financing methods, pricing strategies, manufacturing plans, and future projections. One business team–seniors Costanza Siclari and Tsun Wa Suen – have even launched their designer t-shirt business called Underage online and are already making sales in both the USA and Hong Kong.

Personal Finance and Business is a comprehensive, semester-long course which introduces the concept of owning and operating a business, the rewards and the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the details of developing a successful business plan. Through a combination of classroom study and off-campus trips, students also learn about national and global influences on businesses, money and banking, and other aspects required to run a business. In addition, they gain an understanding of managing their personal finances, the basics of credit, career planning, and the principles of risk management, among other topics students will find useful in their lives.

Instructor of the Personal Finance and Business Class, Mrs. Mowat

Along with the knowledge the students gained in the classroom, the class also went on a series of field trips where they applied their skills, including a visit to a new area business called The Shelter House Cafe located in Newburgh, New York. There, the owner shared his own business plans and experiences, and answered the students’ questions. Other trips included visits to area shopping centers to research ideas for marketing, merchandising, and promotions.

Senior Cem Taviloglu, who presented an out-ofthe-box virtual running business as his final project, had a lot to say about what he learned: “When I chose this class as an elective at the beginning of the year, I didn’t really know what to expect. Now, at the end of the semester, I think I learned a lot of important skills in banking, credit, and how to manage my own money. I also discovered that I actually like business; especially being able to conceptualize it and know what it takes to actually turn an idea into a successful business in the real world.”