Students pitch plans for possible business venture

Pitching a proposal for a new business to potential investors is not an easy task, but watching the students in Lee Travisano's Entrepreneurship Senior Seminar do just that would make one think they were witnessing professionals at work.

ERIC SUCAR staff Trish Wang (l) and Christina Corrado present their business plan for a dance studio to members of the local SCORE chapter during an Entrepreneurship Senior Seminar at Marlboro High School. Travisano is the teacher at Marlboro High School who is in charge of the Freehold Regional High School District's business administration specialized learning center.

The 22 seniors in Travisano's class recently had to prepare complex business plans which were then presented to members of a local SCORE chapter who acted as "investors" and critiqued the students' work.

SCORE, the Service Core of Retired Executives, is a national organization that is affiliated with the U.S. Small Business Association, according to SCORE counselor Peter Schabert. He explained that the organization was previously made up of retired executives, but said membership now consists of people who are still in business.

Schabert explained that the basic function of a SCORE member is to counsel people who are interested in starting a business or are already in business and need some expert advice. A second function is to provide seminars on topics such as starting a business, marketing a business and buying a business or franchise. SCORE provides its services for free.

SCORE began its relationship with the FRHSD several years ago when the former director of the business administration learning center asked the organization's members to help the students.

"It's probably one of the high points of what we do because it's fun to see people do their thing … especially when they do it so well," SCORE representative Nick Kangos said of visiting the classes.

TrishWang, of Freehold Township, and Christina Corrado, of Marlboro, were among the students who presented a business plan to the SCORE members on Jan. 23. Schabert and Kangos were present to judge the work.

First the young women presented a fictionalized background about themselves, informing their "investors" about where they had attended college and their previous work experience.

Trish and Christina were pitching Soleful Expressions, a dance studio. The young women compiled a binder full of data including demographics, growth charts, cash flow and income statements. They even provided an overview of the dance industry for those who might be unfamiliar with that particular business.

Travisano said the students had to find a mentor in a business that was similar to the business they were proposing. The mentors helped by providing information to give the students a basis for their financial projections. Travisano said an accountant came to class to help the students with the financial aspects of their business plans.

The Soleful Expressions presenters identified a location for their dance studio, choosing a spot on Route 9 in Manalapan, complete with a floor plan and monthly rental rates.

The in-depth presentations that were given by the students surprised the SCORE members.

"I wish the people who we deal with in the business world would do it as well," Kangos said.

Trish and Christina said they learned it takes a lot of time, planning and money to prepare a business proposal. A lot of research went into the project, including speaking with workers at the dance school Trish attends and combing through the latest census information for demographic data.

Soleful Expressions was chosen as their business venture because both young women have dance experience.

"I can actually see myself considering opening (a dance studio) in the future," Trish said.

"I feel that my future background in finance would help me in a business venture such as this," Christina said, adding that she believes a dance studio would be very profitable.

Christina, who hopes to follow in her father's footsteps and study finance, said she has been offered a full scholarship to Seton Hall University, and offers from Rutgers University and Monmouth University. Christina said she is waiting to hear from Princeton University before deciding what university she will attend.

Trish said she has been accepted to Rutgers University and Penn State University, but has a few more schools to hear from. The senior is interested in the University of Maryland, where she could attend the business school and possibly minor in dance.

Both young women praised the FRHSD's business administration specialized learning center.

"It's a good experience that can bring you into many different fields," Trish said.

The other students who participated in the business plan activity were: Anisha Atluri; Marissa Biagioli and Gerard Cicero; Mark Chin and Palmer Leff; Rachel Harrison and Jessica Torriero; Shin Lee and Chelsey Radler; Bryan Lisser; Deepika Madari and Joanna Xerri; Jesse Marques and Prannoy Nambiar; Nicole Moreira and Nick Spinella; Purvi Patel and Nilomi Shah; and Charlie Shen and Kevin Yao.