The Business Acumen

As summer settled over Maplewood, the days stretched long and warm, filled with possibility. With the school year behind him, Alex had more free time than he knew what to do with. It was during one of those lazy afternoons that Richard Montgomery approached him with an idea that would change the course of his summer—and perhaps his future.

“Alex,” Richard began a glint of excitement in his eyes. “I’ve been thinking about how you’ve taken to leadership this past year. Have you ever considered starting your own business?”

The suggestion caught Alex off guard. “A business? But I don’t know anything about that” he replied, his voice trailing. The idea seemed daunting, filled with complexities he hadn’t yet explored.

Richard chuckled softly, “That’s exactly why I’m here! We can do this together. I’ll teach you the fundamentals, and I’ll guide you through the process. It could be a fantastic opportunity to apply everything you’ve learned about leadership and community.”

Alex’s curiosity piqued. He envisioned a venture rooted in the values he held dear—something that could benefit his community while also allowing him to explore his entrepreneurial spirit. “What kind of business?” he asked, his mind racing with possibilities.

“Well,” Richard said, leaning back in his chair, “what are you passionate about? What do you see a need for in your community?”

Alex thought for a moment, remembering the conversations he’d had with classmates about the challenges they faced. “I think… I think we could use more resources for students—like tutoring services or workshops on skills that aren’t taught in school. Some so many kids struggle and don’t know where to turn.”

Richard’s eyes lit up. “That’s a brilliant idea! A tutoring and skills development business could empower students and help them succeed. We can start small—perhaps offering summer workshops—and see where it goes from there.”

With newfound enthusiasm, Alex agreed to the plan, and they began to outline their business model. Richard introduced him to the basics of entrepreneurship: market research, business plans, and financial management. They spent hours discussing the importance of understanding their target audience and identifying gaps in the market.

“Every successful business starts with a problem that needs solving,” Richard explained, sketching ideas on a whiteboard. “You have to know your customers—what they want, what they need, and how you can provide it.”

As they dove deeper into the details, Alex learned about competitive analysis and how to position their services effectively. Richard encouraged him to reach out to students, teachers, and parents to gather feedback on their concept, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

Over the next few weeks, Alex felt the thrill of the entrepreneurship course through him. He began conducting surveys at school and in the neighborhood, asking students what subjects they struggled with the most and what skills they wanted to learn. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire for help in Mathematics, Science, and even life skills such as cooking and financial literacy.

Armed with this feedback, Alex and Richard crafted a business plan. They decided to name their venture “Future Forward”—a name that embodied their mission of helping students move toward a brighter future. The plan included summer workshops that would cover a range of subjects, from academic tutoring to practical skills, all aimed at empowering students to thrive.

With the foundation laid, they set to work on the logistics. Richard guided Alex through the process of budgeting and calculating costs for materials, marketing, and venue rentals. They secured a local community center for their workshops, which would allow them to reach a wider audience.

As the launch date approached, Alex felt a mixture of excitement and nerves. He had never done anything like this before, and the responsibility of running a business weighed heavily on his shoulders. But Richard was there every step of the way, providing support and encouragement.

“Remember, Alex, every great entrepreneur started somewhere,” Richard reminded him. “Mistakes will happen, but it’s how you learn from them that matters. Keep your focus on your mission—to help others—and you’ll find your way.”

With Richard’s mentorship and the support of his friends, Alex began marketing Future Forward. They designed flyers, created social media accounts, and even held an information session at school to generate interest. The response was overwhelming; students were eager to sign up, and word quickly spread through the community.

On the first day of workshops, Alex stood outside the community center, watching as students began to arrive. The energy was electric, and he felt a sense of purpose wash over him. He was no longer just a boy seeking revenge; he was a young entrepreneur ready to make a difference.

As the sessions began, Alex took on the role of facilitator, guiding his peers through various subjects. He was amazed at how quickly the students engaged with the material, their enthusiasm infectious. He taught math concepts, helped with science experiments, and even led a cooking class that ended with everyone enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Through it all, Alex discovered a new passion for teaching and mentoring. He loved seeing the lightbulb moments when students grasped difficult concepts, their faces lighting up with understanding. It was a reminder of why he had started this venture in the first place—to empower others and create a supportive community.

As the weeks rolled on, Future Forward flourished. The workshops attracted not only students but also parents who appreciated the initiative. Alex received glowing feedback from both students and their families, reinforcing the impact of his efforts.

With Richard’s guidance, Alex learned to analyze feedback and adapt their offerings based on what worked best. As they continued to grow, they began to explore partnerships with local businesses for sponsorships and resources. Richard introduced Alex to networking events where he could meet other entrepreneurs, expanding his understanding of the business landscape.

One evening, after a successful workshop, Alex sat on the porch of his home, reflecting on the journey so far. The summer had been transformative, filled with challenges and triumphs. He realized that he was not just building a business; he was building a legacy—a way to honor his parents by giving back to the community they had loved.

With each passing day, his ambitions grew bolder. The taste of success fueled his desire for more. He envisioned Future Forward expanding beyond summer workshops, perhaps offering after-school programs or even a mentorship network for students interested in entrepreneurship.

Richard recognized the spark in Alex’s eyes and encouraged him to think even bigger. “You have the potential to be a leader not just in school, but in your community,” he said one afternoon. “Don’t be afraid to dream big. The world needs passionate individuals like you who are willing to take risks and make a difference.”

Inspired by Richard’s words, Alex began to formulate a long-term vision for Future Forward. He envisioned a hub for students—a place where they could learn, grow, and support one another. His journey had just begun, and he was ready to embrace the challenges ahead with determination and a commitment to service.

As summer began to fade into autumn, Alex stood on the brink of a new chapter, ready to take on the world. With Richard by his side, he was not just a boy mourning the loss of his parents; he was a young leader determined to create change, armed with the knowledge and skills to make an impact.

The path ahead was filled with uncertainty, but Alex was ready to navigate it with the same courage and ambition that had brought him this far. The business acumen he had gained was just the beginning,

and he was eager to see where it would lead him next