Class 2002
MassMutual Young Entrepreneurial Scholar
Katie Bielunis
Katie is the recipient of the third annual Young Entrepreneurial Scholars Award. The award includes $500, which is to be used for post-secondary educational costs or as an investment in the student’s business venture. Katie was the first place winner in the Springfield Technical Community College Entrepreneurial Institute and the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship YES! Business Plan Competition.
Katie is a senior at Longmeadow High School, where her participation in the Young Entrepreneurial Scholars entrepreneurship class inspired her to launch Lancawear, a line of Longmeadow High logo wear. Katie developed the fledgling business by partnering with classmates, educators, and local business people to conduct a market analysis, and then design, create, and market her clothing products. The business not only generated a profit in its first year, it gave Katie a wealth of hands-on business experience.
Katie participated in the 2001 Women Business Owners conference sponsored by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center and Fleet Bank. She impressed the group by giving an impromptu speech about the importance of role models and mentors. Katie plans to attend college on graduation and pursue a degree in business. She hopes to increase her skills and continue her development as a successful business owner.