For a handful of Elizabethton High School students, the start of the spring semester didn’t just mean the start of a new academic session.

Continuing the momentum garnered by the Bartleby Program throughout the fall semester, the EHS Bartleby Entrepreneurship class met with community and business leaders Wednesday afternoon to present their startup business proposals that will be worked on over the course of the semester.

Over the course of the 2017-18 school year, EHS has implemented the pilot year for the Bartleby Program. During the fall semester, students were able to participate in the Community Improvement class and work on different projects and work on social interaction with local groups and organizations. For the spring semester, students will learn the basic ins and outs of what it takes to operate a business from a board of local entrepreneurs based in the region. The pilot program was created after the school received national recognition and awards for being recognized by XQ America during their “Super School” contest in 2016.

Alex Campbell, sociology and Bartleby instructor at EHS, said the purpose of this class is to teach students the different methods and ideas they’d need to operate a business and learn the necessary tools to make an impact within the community and economy.

“Students are making their presentations to our board members, and they are able to receive the necessary feedback they need on their business,” Campbell said.

Members of the inaugural Bartleby Entrepreneurship Board include Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey, financial advisor Thomas Davis, David LeVeau with Security Federal Bank, financial advisor Dustin Jackson, Kevin Vaughn with Pals and City of Elizabethton Planning and Development Director Jon Hartman.

“We wanted to make sure we had a good mix of people that come from different sectors,” Campbell said. “We have financial advisors, small business owners, Mr. Hartman with the City … we appreciate them stopping by. They are a valuable asset for our students.”

Members of the Board were able to listen to five different presentations Saturday, ranging from flexible school furniture, weight training and fitness wear, camping and outdoor activities, grocery delivery and art involved with state parks. Students that spoke during the day included Jonathan Browder, Colton Grindstaff, Chandlor Mullins, Dylan Nordby, Geoffrey Munday, Tyson Vance and Hannah Roaten.

Even though Roaten is no stranger to speaking to the public, serving as the Elizabethton City Schools student liason for the Board of Education, there were a few butterflies for Wednesday’s event.

“It is a still a little nerve racking in that aspect,” Roaten said with a smile talking about the presentation. “But I’m excited about starting my business and taking in the feedback from the Board. It really is exciting to see what Bartleby can be this semester. We have a lot to live up to after what last semester’s class was able to accomplish.”

Roaten’s business, Local Harvest Delivery, is a grocery service that is geared toward promoting local farmers throughout the region instead of corporations.

The mission of the business is to instill a passion for health by making natural, locally grown foods easily accessible, she added.

Following the presentations of each business, the Board was able to provide feedback and give opinions and advice on different strategies needed. Once a plan is approved, the student or students are able to apply for a Bartleby loan to help start up the business.

Campbell added the class will teach students how to fill out purchase orders, manage time and other aspects needed to run a business. Money accumulated from the business would be used to repay the loan with the potential of the student or students making a profit off their business.

“We’re always looking for business and community members to partner with to help our students’ proposals for businesses,” Campbell said. “We welcome anybody who wants to get involved.”

Individuals can email Terry Smith, Bartleby director, at terry.smith@ecschools.net to assist with the Entrepreneurship Class of Bartleby.