Lewisville High school students Kaya Carter (above center) and Mason Kantowski (far right) last week shared their experiences as members of Lewisville High School's innovative Business INCubator program, a youth entrepreneurship program overseen by instructor Nicole Franczvai. INCubator is designed to get students excited about the business world as they learn about product ideation, marketing, accounting, and other facets of running a business. Pitch Night then helps further fuel the entrepreneurial spirit by putting student teams in front of actual investors to pitch their product idea. “I teach Shark Tank,” quipped Franczvai, as she explained the format of the INCubator program during last week's LNR meeting. Carter and Kantowski were awarded initial seed money of $300 to develop their latest concept, a monthly subscription service, called Microshine, that ships customers a box of special cleaning products for smartphones and glasses designed to prevent the spread of pathogens. The duo later received an addition $2000 stipend to bring their idea to fruition through the program. “I got a lot of motivation out of this class,” said Kantowski, who plans to use the skills he learned for a future career in real estate. Added Carter, “I learned how to be a business woman and how to be successful in business.” The INCubator program is offered at both Lewisville and Coppell High School, and is a game changer for so many kids, said Franczvai. As part of the curriculum, she brings in mentors and speakers from the local business community, and students learn practical skills that will serve them well in any business environment. Students also develop determination and grit, as they persevere to build a business, noted Franczvai. She added, “I think this is the way education should be.” Those wanting to learn more about the Business INCubator entrepreneurship program or volunteer as a mentor, coach, or presenter can email Nicole Franczvai at Franczvai@lisd.net. |