Houghton, MI (February 23, 2026) |
On Tuesday, March 3, Copper Country Career and Technical Education Business & Entrepreneurship students will take part in the first-ever Pike Tank Entrepreneurship Event, a hands-on learning experience designed to challenge students to think like business owners and innovators.
The event is a collaborative effort between Breakwater Federal Credit Union, the Copper Country Intermediate School District CTE Program, and community partners who are committed to supporting the advancement of youth education in the region.
The full day event will begin with keynote remarks from regional leaders, followed by breakout sessions where students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities designed to introduce them to business planning, financial decision making, marketing strategy, and professional communication.
Students will participate in two rounds of business pitch competitions throughout the day, as well as an entrepreneurship business simulation designed by Breakwater Federal Credit Union, and Business Bingo where students will have the opportunity to network with local organizations that offer resources to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
To further strengthen the learning experience, students were assigned class projects that contributed directly to key elements of event development and promotion. One such assignment involved designing the official event logo, allowing students to explore the creative and technical aspects of marketing and brand development.
Using a combination of graphic design software and AI image generation tools, students developed multiple logo concepts that were presented to a panel of judges involved in coordinating the event. The final design was selected for its simplicity, versatility, and strong visual identity. With fewer colors, clean shapes, and scalable elements, the logo can be used effectively across a range of applications, including t-shirts, digital promotions, and printed event materials.
In addition to logo design, students have contributed to other aspects of event preparation, including drafting press releases, developing promotional materials, and assisting with planning logistics. These projects have allowed students to see firsthand how collaboration, communication, and strategic planning all play a role in bringing an event to life. As the date approaches, students are eager to see their hard work take shape and are looking forward to presenting their business pitches in front of judges and community partners. Pike Tank represents not only a competition, but an opportunity for students to apply their skills, gain confidence, and experience the excitement of entrepreneurship in action.
Event Details & Agenda
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Location: Hancock Community Hub
8:30 a.m. – Keynote Session (Auditorium) featuring Marty Fittante and Jim Baker
9:15–10:25 a.m. – Breakout Session 1
- Pike Tank Business Pitch Competition (Group A)
- Entrepreneurship Simulation with Breakwater Federal Credit Union (Group B)
10:25–10:40 a.m. – Break
10:45–11:55 a.m. – Breakout Session 2
- Entrepreneurship Simulation with Breakwater Federal Credit Union (Group A)
- Pike Tank Business Pitch Competition (Group B)
11:55 a.m.–12:25 p.m. – Lunch sponsored by Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
12:30–1:30 p.m. – Business Support Resources Bingo
1:45–2:25 p.m. – Final Pike Tank Business Pitch Competition
Top teams from each morning session compete for prizes.
2:25–2:30 p.m. – Closing Remarks