Ten new StartingUp Now Facilitators were trained at the April 2016 Lead to Change: Facilitator Training. The training included a two-day business simulation game that was not only fun and interactive, but highly instructive.
By assuming the role of manufacturers and retailers in a simulated business environment, participants make decisions about realistic challenges they face, including pricing, costing, financial planning, and reacting to unexpected events. Participants practice skills in financial literacy, record-keeping, risk management, and taking initiative. The simulation provides a safe setting to experiment with new behaviors that lead to more successful business strategies, such as being a better communicator among team members, competitive analysis, or using a win-win style of negotiating—all while having fun.
Facilitators learn how to use the business simulation game as tool to reinforce the StartingUp Now: 24 Steps to Launch a Business principles. The business simulation game is a tool that can be used in both youth and adult entrepreneurship classes. It is always a highlight of the training and a memorable experience.