Entrepreneurship isn’t just about big corporations or established businesses – even high school students can start their own ventures! That’s exactly why the Business Camp was created, now in its second year, supporting young talents in the Moravian-Silesian Region. This year, the camp took place from September 8th to 10th, 2024, at the RS Budoucnost recreation center in Frýdlant nad Ostravicí. The three-day intensive course welcomed 24 students from 10 high schools, giving them the opportunity to dive into the world of entrepreneurship.
The goal of this activity is to create a platform for sharing information and personal experiences, encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, and sparking interest in business among high school students. The organizers focus on developing skills that are key for future entrepreneurs: visualization, creative thinking, planning, and the ability to succeed in the job market.
The camp featured lectures, practical games, and valuable one-on-one consultations with experts. Trainers Roman Šmiřák and Pavol Sojčík from the BrainBrush team were available to the students throughout the event. In addition to sharing their own experiences, they connected the students with professionals in the field who could help them bring their plans to life.
The Business Camp in Frýdlant nad Ostravicí wasn’t just about theory. Participants presented their business ideas, spanning diverse areas – from IT and marketing to sustainable textile processing and the use of artificial intelligence in construction. Other notable projects included innovations in agriculture. Many of these ideas had the potential not only to succeed in the market but also to contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
Participants appreciated the inspirational atmosphere, as well as the practical aspects of the course. One-on-one discussions with trainers and other students often led to new ideas and improvements to their business plans. Some even gained valuable contacts with experts in fields of interest, which could be a crucial step toward their success.
According to participant feedback, the camp was an excellent opportunity for developing entrepreneurial skills. Students praised the inspiring environment and the support they received. “I’m thrilled. I haven’t experienced this much energy, proactivity, and mutual support in a long time. The students made incredible progress in just a few days, working hard on themselves. I believe we’ll hear more about many of them in the future,” said Sylva Sládečková, manager of school entrepreneurial centers, as she reflected on the second year of the Business Camp.
The Business Camp in Frýdlant nad Ostravicí demonstrated that young people have enormous entrepreneurial potential and that it is crucial to support them in this area. The combination of theory with practice, an individualized approach, and the opportunity to make valuable connections provides students with an excellent foundation to become successful entrepreneurs. Thanks to this, the Moravian-Silesian Region can look forward to the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs contributing to its future development.
This project was made possible through support from the TPA Project – Innovation Center for Education Transformation.