TeaWorks tops business competition
Rankin team will pitch product this week in Halifax
IONA — Efforts by Rankin School of the Narrows students to produce a good cup of tea helped capture the regional prize at the Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia ' Pitch It!' competition.
The students behind a company called TeaWorks told judges at Wednesday's competition at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney they want to bring back the gauze tea bag and fill a market void for handmade, locally produced tea.
It was the second consecutive year a business idea from Rankin captured the regional title.
This year's winning team is comprised of Lauren MacDonald, Courtney MacDonald, Lindsey MacNeil and Laura Wukitsch.
They now get to pitch their idea to hundreds of business leaders at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax on Nov. 27.
Other pitches made at Wednesday's Sydney Credit Union-sponsored event included ideas from Memorial High, Baddeck Academy, Sydney Academy and Riverview High students.
“The Pitch It competition is a way to encourage students to develop well thought out, unique business products and concepts, and challenge stu- dents to think broadly and creatively about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur,” said Kristen Williams, the president and CEO of Junior Achievement, in a press release.
" Students learn about innovation, how to overcome challenges, and how to pursue their dreams and become successful long term.”
The contest is part of the Junior Achievement's company program and saw almost 350 students, representing 29 companies, take part in regional events across the province.
Only four companies move on to the final event in Halifax.
The company program gives students the chance to experience life as part of a fully functioning company, complete with an executive team, employees, financial responsibilities, shareholders, suppliers and customers.
When they move on to Halifax, Rankin students get to consult with celebrity coaches like, Dianne Buckner of CBC’s " Dragons’ Den," and Mark Surrette, founder and president of Knightsbridge Roberston Surrette and Mike Brown.
The winners get an exclusive and private dinner with Joseph Shannon, president of Atlantic Corp.