INUVIK - A group of students from Aurora College spent time with Rob Cook this week, learning about day-to-day operations of a small business.

Cook owns and operates the Café Gallery and Gwich'in Graphics. He invited the students to make themselves a framed certificate and their own pizza.

Phoebe Ruben and Sharon Pekok spent some time in both sides of the business, making framed certificates and making a pizza in the cafe kitchen. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Phoebe Ruben and Sharon Pekok are two students of the small business development program who were in attendance for the excursion.

They started the session off by talking with Cook about how he started his business and what changes have been made since he took over.

"I bought the companies about 10 years ago," said Cook.

He purchased Gwich'in Graphics in 1997, Café Gallery in 1998.

Cook has since taken on full-time staff to help manage the two businesses.

Since he took over, Cook said some small changes needed to be made in his service.

"We used to make specialty pieces, like caps and T-shirts, but that didn't work out," said Cook.

Cook said small communities only need certain services.

"You have to learn to say no in some areas," he said.

Rick Hodder, senior instructor of the course, said the exercise was useful and falls into the curriculum of the program.

"We wanted to bring the students to see small business operators, to see what they do on a day-to-day basis," said Hodder.

"It's good for the students to hear about what commitments are needed from them."

As a part of the program, the students will make a business plan for their proposed business.

"Hands-on experiences like this one are positive for the students as they learn more about the process," said Hodder.

A marketing program will also be introduced to the students in the next few weeks.

"That module will end in a few weeks, then the students will work on financial projections," he said.

Pekok said she found the visit to the café informative. "I liked it, I learned a bit from the experience," said Pekok.

"Pizza making was fun."

Pekok wants to start a market garden and campground, on property that she bought.

"I bought some property with a small business already on site, so I wanted to learn more about how to get it started," said Pekok.

The course has been a good experience for her and she recommends it for anyone looking to start their own business.

"I think the course is pretty interesting, it's more than I expected," said Pekok.

"All the information has been helpful for what I want to do."

Ruben said she will bring the course information home to Paulatuk with her, where she wants to start her own coffee shop.

"I wanted to give it a try, hearing from someone who owns a coffee shop was helpful," said Ruben.

Cook said the program is a good idea and the students had good questions.

"This is a great idea to get students involved in learning more about the operation of a small business," said Cook.