Randolph County StartUp

Randolph County StartUp Randolph County startUP Program What is the Randolph County startUP program? The first Randolph class started in the fall of 2015.

The startUP program is based on the successful CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program in Effingham, Illinois. The Randolph County startUP program:
Students START UP actual class and individual businesses, and...
*Is funded by business investors
*Is open to high school juniors and seniors
*Selects students through a rigorous application process
*Serves students from public and private

high schools
*Meets for 90 minutes each day
*Provides 2 high school credits
*Provides 4 College Credits
*Utilizes area businesses as classrooms
*Visits dozens of area businesses each year
*Hosts 50-60 guest speakers each year
*Emphasizes 21st century Learning skills
*Provides the opportunity for each student to start their own business
*Provides a mentor from the business community for each startUP student
*Hosts an annual trade show to showcase student businesses

That’s a wrap on week 3️⃣ of startUP!! This class is definitely one to watch! They are full of talent, creativity, drive...
09/04/2026

That’s a wrap on week 3️⃣ of startUP!! This class is definitely one to watch! They are full of talent, creativity, drive, determination, and enthusiasm for the program!! We explored the leadership roles that are part of startUP. They reflected on whether they were a fit for the role and then submitted paperwork to “apply.” Today they worked in groups to create a food truck. The purpose wasn’t to see who had the best idea. It was to explore the leadership roles that are necessary to operate a business. They only had 50 minutes to complete about 10 tasks and then make their presentation. Wow!!! I was so impressed with how well they worked together, assigned tasks, and got them finished! Well done, Rolling Dough and The Patty Plug!! Special shoutout to First National Bank of Steeleville for letting us use your space and serving us breakfast pizza this morning!!

With over 30 years of sales experience in the corporate world, we learned valuable lessons and heard many stories from o...
09/03/2026

With over 30 years of sales experience in the corporate world, we learned valuable lessons and heard many stories from our guest speaker, Mr. Jerry Poenitske. He is currently working at Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. as a national sales manager. He shared insights on professionalism in all areas, how to handle conflicts in group meetings, and shared tips on task management. These were just some of the topics. Some of his key points included…
-Listen more than you talk.
-Suggest ideas instead of telling people what to do.
-Always be positive.
-Break big projects into smaller tasks.
-Don’t let anyone stop you from achieving your goals.
-Keep a document and fill it with information that could be used in your current job role. He has a “Book of Knowledge.”
Thank you for taking the time to share with the class! Also thank you, Brodie, for introducing our guest speaker!

After sharing ideas, discussing what matters most, narrowing down their thoughts, and making decisions as a team, our cl...
08/28/2026

After sharing ideas, discussing what matters most, narrowing down their thoughts, and making decisions as a team, our class has officially created its 2026–27 Mission and Vision Statements!

These belong to the students. Their words. Their ideas. Their goals.

Sixteen different voices learning how to listen, collaborate, compromise, and turn a lot of great ideas into one shared direction.

Now comes the important and exciting part…making it happen!

All these minds- working together, brainstorming, drafting, planning, and dreaming what THEIR mission, vision, and motto...
08/26/2026

All these minds- working together, brainstorming, drafting, planning, and dreaming what THEIR mission, vision, and motto will be for their 26-27 startUP class. Stay tuned for the final statements! We realized that this is a process and takes time. It’s going to be great!

The startUP learning goes beyond the classroom! 🏦The students had the opportunity to visit Buena Vista National Bank and...
08/26/2026

The startUP learning goes beyond the classroom! 🏦

The students had the opportunity to visit Buena Vista National Bank and learn from Cole Stenzel, Senior Vice President and Business Development Officer—and chair of our startUP Board.

He shared an honest look at leadership, lending, hiring, business development and the importance of being involved in the community.

His biggest message was clear: relationships matter. Networking can happen anywhere, but strong relationships must be built on trust.

Cole shared many important lessons and stories as the students took lots of notes. They want to soak it in!

-Dream big—don’t automatically fall back on what feels easy.
-Learn how every part of a business works together.�-Healthy tension can lead to better ideas when disagreements are handled respectfully.�-Your attitude, appearance and communication skills matter—you are always making an impression.�-Consider whether college, trade school, business ownership or a combination of paths will provide the best return on your investment.�-Start saving and investing early!

Cole described his college degree as a key to many doors. Opportunity is everywhere. He ended with the message to dream big and shoot for the stars.

Thank you, Cole, for your honesty, encouragement and willingness to invest your time in our students. We appreciate Buena Vista National Bank for welcoming us and supporting the startUP program! Plus the swag was a bonus!

🎈 The Pop-Up Challenge was designed to get our startUP students thinking, creating, and working together—and they certai...
08/25/2026

🎈 The Pop-Up Challenge was designed to get our startUP students thinking, creating, and working together—and they certainly rose to the challenge!
Each group received a limited number of supplies and a short amount of time to create a product, service, or experience. There was an entrepreneurial twist! They could “purchase” additional supplies from our “store” or trade resources with another group. Once their idea was planned and created, they prepared a quick pitch for the rest of the class.
What was supposed to be a simple pitch turned into a fantastic learning experience! Their classmates asked thoughtful questions that made each group stop, think, and respond on the spot. They quickly realized how many details go into developing an idea—and that a strong business plan takes time!
What I observed was amazing: teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, resourcefulness, and lots of quick thinking. Their ideas and responses proved that they are already beginning to consider many important aspects of running a business.
The Pop-Up Challenge may have been short on time and supplies, but it was certainly BIG on learning! 👏💡

Meet the startUP Class of 2026-2027!! This is the largest class we’ve ever had in Randolph County! Sixteen minds from 5 ...
08/19/2026

Meet the startUP Class of 2026-2027!! This is the largest class we’ve ever had in Randolph County! Sixteen minds from 5 high schools already working together, creating bonds, and making friends!
Back Row L to R: Alan Wolter, Brodie Stenzel, Kailynn Hunter, Karim Landeros, Owen Kueker, Kale Sprengel, Lauren Eckart
Front Row: Ella Tripp, Grace Koester, Loreli Aubuchon, Trenton Moore, Gage Lynn, Victor Fuentes, Hayden Webb, Natalia Cortez, Julia Reeves

Day one is in the books!! Great morning meeting everyone! This is going to be the start of another fantastic year!! The ...
08/18/2026

Day one is in the books!! Great morning meeting everyone! This is going to be the start of another fantastic year!! The class made their first business pitch of the year with the “$20- 24 hour Challenge!”

08/13/2026

Gearing up for next week!! Can’t wait to get started with the class of 26-27!! Keep an eye on us! They will do amazing things!!

Paige Demond is the CEO of Paige’s Pressed Creations! She loves to create t-shirts, Koozies, and other merchandise. Paig...
06/02/2026

Paige Demond is the CEO of Paige’s Pressed Creations! She loves to create t-shirts, Koozies, and other merchandise. Paige graduated from Red Bud High School and will be continuing her education at SWIC. Check out her page in the comments!

Address

134 N Main
Red Bud, IL
62278

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16188265471

Website

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