Entrepreneur academy helps students launch business

The trio from the start-up company Appleholics prepared for 26 weeks before jumping into the “shark tank.” Not only did they survive the scrutiny of a pair of local investors, they walked away with a cool $1,000 to help launch their candied apple business.

“It was nerve racking and it took a lot of hard work, but it’s definitely worth it,” said Emma Claire Spring, one of the founders of Appleholics.

Spring, along with fellow Whitefish High School students Sarah Perez and Matthew Perez, developed the idea for their new business through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy in Whitefish. The academy is a nine-month program that guides high school students through the process of starting a real business.

Saturday, the team from Appleholics pitched their idea of selling deliciously sweet apples, sliced or whole, to investors Chris Graff and Dan Graves.

Both put $250 toward the endeavor, while Sam’s Club donated $500. The group plans to use the funding to buy ingredients and cookware, and for marketing materials. They will be selling the apples at the Tuesday Farmers Market this summer.

Graves was impressed with the trios’ drive and willingness to put in sweat equity.

“I saw sincerity and kids that weren’t expecting anything other than something they can obtain on their own rather than having it given to them,” Graves said. “That is a quality that is not as popular as it used to be. They were willing to work for it. I get the feeling they’ll be able to sustain the ups and downs of owning a business.”

Graves said he looks forward to stopping by the farmers market to check on their progress.

The academy started with eight students and met every Wednesday after school for three hours. The Appleholics was the lone team to make it all the way to the investor panel event.

“Starting a business isn’t always easy,” said academy director Chris Hyatt. “It was neat to see them work through the process.”

Through the academy, teams met with and learned from local businesses, including Glacier Restaurant Group, Total Label and Old Town Creative.

“We have a great community that has opened their doors,” Hyatt said.

Hyatt plans to expand the academy valley-wide in the future.

“This is here to help students interested in starting businesses and creating jobs,” he said. “But even if they go on to be a doctor, they can use that knowledge of how to be an entrepreneur and how to lead.”

The Appleholics group now advances to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Saunders Scholars National College Scholarship competition, where they will compete for college scholarships, a fast-track application pass to apply to be on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” and an all-expenses paid trip to attend America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C.

To learn more about the academy, visit online at www.veausa.org.