Leonia Small Business Week
Leonia High School’s DECA chapter spearheaded a campaign to promote entrepreneurship in the local community.“Educating Entrepreneurship” aimed to increase customer awareness of local small businesses. Eight businesses participated: Dante’s Place, The Craft Lounge, Fun Lum, Green Cura, BB Bakery, Q Nail Boutique, Soloist Music, and Coffee Park & Kid’s Café. From Monday the 14th of January to Friday the 18th, these six small businesses offered special deals and discounts to customers who said “Leonia DECA” at checkout. Small businesses are what give Leonia its unique small town culture, and they rely upon our support and patronage to thrive.
The project also aims to educate the youth about the values and traits necessary for successful entrepreneurs, as well as encouraging small business patronage in town. Project leaders Ryan Abi-Hanna, Ariana Durollari, and Zoe Edelman visited Anna C. Scott elementary school once a week for the month of November. They met with children enrolled in SACC, an after school day care program, and taught them the basic components of entrepreneurship. At the end of 4 sessions the children were given the opportunity to develop ideas for their own businesses and create their own promotional campaigns.
Educating students about entrepreneurship concepts continued far past Anna C. Scott School. Business owners are invited to Mrs. Gianfredi’s Entrepreneurship class at LHS to speak with the juniors and seniors of the class. Steve Pandor, the creator of “Joe Tea” discussed daily decisions that he is faced with while he directs his snack and beverage business. Another business owner, and LHS alum, Cory Doviak, visited the class to discuss the establishment, rewards and obstacles of his businesses, NorthJerseySports.com and 4FeetGraphix.com.
Contact:
Rowena Gianfredi, DECA Advisor
201-302-5200