Many young people work their way through the ranks of junior athletics programs such as hockey, football and basketball with the hopes of one day being a professional athlete. Unfortunately, only a small portion of them are able to enter the professional leagues. However, the junior programs are an extremely valuable learning experience for anyone. Participants learn self-discipline, work ethic, team work, leadership, game strategy, skill development – all of which are transferable skills!
For some of those well-trained athletes who are not able to join the major leagues, there are other options. They can apply themselves to some advanced academic or professional education or a trade. Some of these x-athletes are prime candidates for entrepreneurship.
Wayfinders is exploring the idea of running a business management training program for x-athletes.
The Program
X-Athlete would run approximately 6 to ten weeks of in-class training, accompanied by mentoring, guest speakers and personalized coaching, followed by one hour coaching sessions for several weeks. Participants would be required to conduct appropriate research and produce a business plan.
The program would include training is all the core subjects of business management:
- Entrepreneurship
- Strategic planning
- Business planning
- Product design and development
- Marketing, promotion and sales
- Accounting
- Finance
- Human resources
Requirements
- Sponsorship will be needed to finance initial planning, development and promotion
- Classroom space
- Registration fees of some affordable amount, e.g., $500
- Minimum of 10 and maximum of 25 participants
- Qualified business instructor
- Qualified guest speakers specialized in various ares of business (e.g., accountant, lawyer, sales professional)
- Qualified business coaches and mentors
Key Proponents
- Connor Nichols
- Jay Krysler
- Bao Nugyen
- Shannon Berry
