Summary:
The meeting focused on the Junior CEO program, where Loreli Cappel, Economic Development Manager for the City of Atascadero, provided an overview of business planning and operations for young entrepreneurs. She explained the basics of business structure, naming, and marketing, emphasizing the importance of creating unique products and services. Loreli shared examples of successful local businesses and highlighted upcoming opportunities for Junior CEOs to participate in the community. Participants asked questions about product ideas, licensing requirements, and logistics for the upcoming Junior CEO Business Day event on April 12th. The conversation ended with discussions about setting up booths, food safety regulations, and potential earnings from the event.
Next Steps:
1. All Junior CEOs: Visit Atascadero City Hall between now and April 12th to obtain a Junior CEO business license and display it at their booth on Junior CEO Business Day
2. All Junior CEOs: Access the Junior CEO program briefcase on the Atascadero Chamber website using the password “JRCEOS” to access workbooks and VIP store
3. All Junior CEOs: Order marketing materials from Lonely Oak Arts using code JRCEO26 by the event date
4. All Junior CEOs: Set up booths (including bringing their own table and tent) at Sunken Gardens by 10:00 AM on April 12th for Junior CEO Business Day
5. Josh: Follow up with April Bodine regarding use of her kitchen facilities for Junior CEO food preparation
6. All Junior CEOs: Attend Ravine Day celebration on May 17th at 11:00 AM for certificate presentation and water park access
7. Josh: Research the possibility of creating a junior Chamber membership
8. All food vendors: Arrange to use approved commissary kitchens for food preparation if they don’t have a cottage license
9. All Junior CEOs: Invite family, friends, teachers and community members to attend Junior CEO Business Day
10. All Junior CEOs: Complete business plan including business name, product/service offering, and marketing strategy before April 12th
11. All Junior CEOs: Create personalized and unique products (not just reselling purchased items) for Junior CEO Business Day
12. All Junior CEOs: Bring enough inventory to potentially sell to 150+ attendees
13. All Junior CEOs: Plan to set up their booth between 10:00-10:15 AM on April 12th
14. All Junior CEOs: Bring a chair for parents/guardians (optional but recommended) for April 12th event
15. All Junior CEOs: Plan for potential rain/cool weather conditions for April 12th event
16. All Junior CEOs: Consider additional sales opportunities at future events like Colony Days after April 12th (optional)
Summary:
Junior CEO Program Overview
Josh welcomed the participants to the Junior CEO program and shared updates about the upcoming events, including the State of the City meeting and the Ravine Day. He introduced Loreli Cappel, the Economic Development Manager for the City of Atascadero, who played a key role in bringing Chick-fil-A to the town. Loreli outlined the program’s structure, including the $30 credit for marketing materials from Lonely Oak Arts, and confirmed the dates for Junior CEO Business Day and Ravine Day. The session concluded with an overview of the day’s activities and a promise of time for questions after Loreli’s presentation.
Business Planning for Young Entrepreneurs
Loreli Cappel, who works for the city of Atascadero, introduced the concept of business planning to a group of young participants, emphasizing the importance of creating a plan before starting a business. She explained key aspects of business planning, including identifying the product or service, understanding the target audience, and considering competitors. Loreli used examples like taco restaurants in Atascadero to illustrate the need for differentiation in a competitive market. She encouraged the participants to think creatively about their products, consider their resources, and test the market by seeking feedback from friends and family.
Business Ownership and Partnership Basics
Loreli discussed the basics of business ownership with Cole and Josh, explaining the differences between sole proprietorships and partnerships. She emphasized the importance of true collaboration in partnerships and encouraged Cole to consider whether he wants to run the business alone or with a partner. Loreli also advised on choosing a business name, stressing the need to ensure it accurately represents the product or service and is not already taken by another business.
Business Naming and Location Strategies
The meeting focused on business naming conventions, with Josh emphasizing the importance of incorporating personal or family names along with business type or location identifiers. Loreli shared her experience helping potential business owners connect with suitable locations and provided an example of how she facilitated the opening of a pottery business in Atascadero. The discussion concluded with Josh and Loreli hinting at upcoming VIP-level information about potential new businesses coming to town, which would be shared with the junior CEOs in a future session.
Junior CEO Business License Updates
Loreli discussed the opening of a pottery studio in Atascadero and shared updates about new businesses in the area, including a bakery, ice cream shop, and a general store that will sell locally made goods. She explained the process for obtaining a junior CEO business license at City Hall, which involves providing basic information about the business and ensuring compatibility with surrounding businesses. Josh reminded participants to obtain their business licenses by April 12th for Junior CEO Day, where licenses will be required for booth displays.
Event Planning and Business Ventures
The meeting focused on planning and logistics for an upcoming event, with discussions about business presentations and food preparation. Participants discussed service business ideas, such as photography and car washing, and food-related ventures, including freeze-dried foods and cake pops. Questions were addressed regarding the event date, time, and food preparation requirements, with clarification provided on the need for approved kitchens unless a cottage license is held. Participants were encouraged to bring marketing materials and examples of their work, and additional support was offered for food preparation at approved kitchens or through personal connections.
Junior CEO Business Day Event
The meeting discussed the Junior CEO Business Day event scheduled for April 12th, where participants will set up booths from 10 AM to 2:30 PM to sell handmade or customized products. Josh and Loreli answered questions about product requirements, setup logistics, and business licensing, clarifying that items must be made by hand or customized, and participants need to bring their own tables and equipment. They also explained that while most food items require preparation in a commissary kitchen, non-food items are generally acceptable, though cold items might be problematic due to potential rain. The event typically attracts around 150 attendees, and while participants can make significant sales, Josh noted that some previous vendors made up to $900, with most making at least $100.
