ShawneeDispatch.com

In a time when the future of print media is in question, a business plan featuring a teen-driven magazine took the top prize in the First National Bank 2009 Business Plan Competition.

Shawnee Mission North junior Melissa Arroyo’s business plan was built around the Red Journal, a magazine for teens in the community.

Melissa was surprised during her English class earlier this month by contest representatives.

“I was getting impatient,” Melissa said of waiting for results. “I didn’t want to think negative.”

As the winner, Melissa chose to use her $5,000 toward her college education. She also will have the opportunity to present her plan to other bank representatives.

“I will present my plan to the bank’s executive board and president,” Melissa said. “It will be a 10-minute presentation of my entire idea and how I’ll manage it.”

Red Journal, a locally distributed publication, allows teenagers to contribute articles, art and their life stories, Melissa said.

“The hardest part was the financials,” she said of developing the plan. “It took a lot of research.”

The Shawnee Mission Career and Technical education department teamed up with First National Bank for the 2009 Business Plan Competition to award one team or individual with a $5,000 grant to start their own business.

The competition challenged juniors and seniors at any Shawnee Mission high school to develop a viable new business and plans detailing the businesses strategy and future.

In April, Melissa and two other finalists presented their plans to a panel of five judges.

Shelby Briney, Shawnee Mission West, presented her veterinary clinic plan to judges. Shelby’s plan included offering medical insurance for those in need to strive to have no animal left behind.

Shawnee Mission West student Robyn Rogers also was a finalist with a plan that created a restaurant that shared recipes with customers.

Mimsy Winston, First National Bank media specialist, said the plans were judged on the opening presentation, content of presentation, effectiveness of presentation, summary and questions about the proposed business.

Melissa said a four-day competition she participated in in February helped prepare her for the 2009 Business Plan Competition.

BizFest, a workshop to provide business tools and lessons to Kansas City metro students, helped Melissa learn the terminology and ideas behind starting a business.

“I didn’t win and was disappointed,” Melissa said of the BizFest competition. “But it was a good and very useful experience.”

Melissa said she now understands the effort and time commitment it takes to start a business.

“I would definitely do it again,” she said. “It taught me a lot and gave me the idea of what it’s like to be a business owner, what they go though. If you’re going to do it you have to be committed. Writing a business plan takes a lot of time.”

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