Budding Entrepreneurs Take Plunge At Steak Cook Off

Emily Baucum, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma – As any small business owner can attest, starting from scratch is hard work. It takes time, commitment and perseverance.

A group of East Central High School entrepreneurial dreamers spent Saturday learning if they have what it takes.

Their assignment took them out of the classroom and into downtown Tulsa, smack in the middle of a steak cook-off.

The students sold watermelon slices and iced tea, competing side-by-side with adults participating in the steak-grilling contest.

All the money they earn goes toward East Central's Business Professionals of America club.

But more important than money are the lessons the students took away.

They learned business skills like planning, scheduling and marketing a sales event.

Students say they also put their math skills to the test when making change for customers.

They also learned to make an effective sales pitch.

"It would help me communicate with people, help me learn how to talk with them if they need anything," Danielle Strong an East Central Sophomore said.

Next week in class, the students will break down today's watermelon sale and see what went well and what they might change next time-- just like a real entrepreneur would do.