Competition goes province-wide. (FedNor).

The FedNor Business Challenge on May 29, 2002, was the first step for young entrepreneurs Jason Dasti and Mike Chernawsky of Lockerby Composite School. Now they are well on their way to learning how to run a small business.

Dasti and Chernawsky -- co-owners of Wise Wear, a clothing manufacturer, distributor and retailer -- took top honours at the annual business plan competition, which drew 100 participants from seven area secondary schools.

First developed by a participant of the FedNor Youth Internship Program, the FedNor Business Challenge has attracted more than 215 submissions since 1998. Today, the program's success has resulted in the creation of similar competitions in 22 other communities across the province.

Of the thousands of secondary school students who have participated in the challenge across the North, many have gone on to start and operate their own small businesses based on the venture plans they prepared for the competition.

"The FedNor Business Challenge forced us to think our way through every aspect of a professional business plan," says Dasti. "It gave us direction and helped us develop new ideas."

Since winning the local competition, which was coordinated by the Sudbury Regional Business Centre and sponsored by FedNor, Dasti and Chernawsky have secured over 300 clients and have become the youngest members in the history of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.