On Nov. 15, 2018, students from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School’s marketing classes, DECA and Future Business Leaders of America attended the annual entrepreneurship breakfast. Students were asked to dress in their best to talk to some of the successful business owners in the area. The event is held as a part of global entrepreneurship week to get students excited about entering the business world. Global entrepreneurship week is a week in November dedicated to inspiring young people to bring new ideas to life. Activities are meant to introduce young people to innovators and people who have carved out their own paths in life.
 
Students are able to get first-hand knowledge from people who have gone through the processes of starting a business.
 
“It was important because it exposed many young kids to the trial and tribulations of starting your own company and how business factors into it,” senior Maya Schwartzman said.
 
The event was organized by Marjorie Fitzgibbon, consumer finance and marketing teacher, as well as advisor of DECA and FBLA.
 
“[Students should learn] that being an entrepreneur in our town takes a lot of work and understand the sweat equity that goes into it,” Fitzgibbon said.
 
Business owners in both Scotch Plains and Fanwood was invited to the event to share their unique stories with students. At the breakfast, students broke into small groups and visited tables organized by various local businesses. Some attendees included Nick’s Pizza, Coffee Box and K9 Resorts. At each table, students were able to ask questions based on their studies of business and entrepreneurship. The variety and diversity in the types of businesses shows the vast amount of fields students can pursue when starting their own businesses. The business owners were able about their own enterprises and mistakes and triumphs of running a business.
 
“The purpose is for the students to be able to ask questions in a small setting about the rewards and challenges of opening a small business in our community,” Fitzgibbon said.
 
There is only so much students can learn in the classroom, learning from experienced entrepreneurs shows students the reality of the hard work and dedication that these business owners have shown. The entrepreneurship breakfast is an easy way for students to see what their future could be like as a business owner.
 
Hearing these first-hand experiences gave students invaluable information that they can use in whatever business endeavors they may have.