Part of a series focusing on Southwest Initiative Foundation’s 30 for 30, a selection of 30 people, organizations and business to give a snapshot of all those who make southwest Minnesota a special place.
Two years ago, Tyler Gehrking found himself accepting a position he knew nothing about, and one that would ultimately impact the lives of his students. It began like any morning, but took a turn for the unusual when the Willmar teacher was asked to record a lecture. In the midst of scrolling through emails and checking the news on his phone, Tyler heard the room go quiet. He looked up to find the entire room looking at him, awaiting his answer—he nodded, and the Kandiyohi Creating Entrepreneurial Outcomes (CEO) student program was born.
Today, Tyler juggles three positions: being the technology integrationist and library media specialist at Willmar Public School and an instructor for the Kandiyohi CEO program. Recently, he’s also been appointed as the regional CEO Director of Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota with the goal of creating more programs like his. He’s going into his third year of being part of this program and he says that “this is the passion of my professional life. I get to connect with [these students] more than any other teacher has.”
It begins with students’ applications, which are reviewed by a board of 12 businessmen and women. When presented to the board, names of the applicants are removed, allowing for unbiased choices; only the top 22 applicants get in to the program. Every morning, Monday through Friday, from 7:15 am to 8:45 am, for 178 days, these students meet and learn about what it takes to create and operate a business. The classes are structured around projects and goals set by the students; Tyler says he acts as a guide more than anything. There are 54 investors in the program who provide financial assistance and give advice, but the brunt of the money is raised by the students themselves.
In the first class, students hit the ground running. They cold-call local businesses to find sponsorship for advertisement spots on name cards that they’ll wear on their tours—last year this brought in $4,000. In 2015, these entrepreneurial students toured 63 different businesses, and hosted more than 70 speakers. Their final fundraising effort was a black tie dinner, bringing together local community members, and raising $20,000. Of this amount, each student is given a $599 loan for their own business concept. Parameters for actually being awarded their loan includes creating a business plan and meeting with local bankers—approximately 50% of students get a “no” the first time they bring forth an idea.
This all culminates in a final trade show, during which students will present their ideas to community members, other faculty and students. It’s here where they can sell their goods or get additional investors for their idea.
“This program is a win for students, a win for the school, a win for business investors, and a win for the community,” says Tyler. He says that it allows local business, the majority of which are baby boomers, to see the passion that the teenage youth can have. “When I see where these kids begin with KCEO, and then see them three months into the program—it gives me unwavering hope for the future. Every single kid needs this.”
Southwest Initiative Foundation is proud to be a part of the Kandiyohi CEO program, and to help inspire similar programs throughout the state of Minnesota. Together, we can bridge the gap and bring communities closer together. It’s thanks to people like Tyler Gehrking that we can provide the next generation with the opportunities to go forth and create change not only here at home, but throughout the world.
Find out more here!
