At Dragons’ Chamber our mission is to help immigrant entrepreneurs in Taiwan but for the last 7 years we have also cooperated with the Dominican International School to help encourage the next next generation of entrepreneurs. DIS has an intense 1-year entrepreneurship program where the students gets to set up their own businesses and run them for profit. Every year the teams in the entrepreneurship program gets to pitch their projects in front of our Dragons, receive honest feedback and the best team gets invited to present on our big stage. In 2024, one of those students wanted to develop a writing bureau. This is her article about Dragons’ Chamber and our cooperation with DIS.
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On October 29, 2024, Dominican International School Taipei’s entrepreneurship class of 2025 took a bold step into the real business world. We, as student startup businesses, presented our ideas to seasoned professionals, the Dragons, at the Dragons’ Chamber event. This nerve-wracking yet exhilarating experience gave us a taste of what it takes to launch a startup.
From Classroom to Startup: Overcoming Initial Doubts
The entrepreneurship class was unique, teaching us to try things we would have never considered. It takes us to do things beyond the classroom, working hard yet enjoying our progress. To be honest, we were incredulous at first. Starting a business as a high school student? Impossible.
We were soon proven wrong, of course. It is definitely possible for anyone to start a business if they are determined, hard-working, and organized.
Why Did We Go to Dragons’ Chamber?
This year marked the seventh year of collaboration between the Dominican International School and the Dragons’ Chamber, an event that brings together aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced business owners. The event was held in the office of one of the Dragons’ Chamber Co-Organizers, B2B Marketing firm Enspyre’s offices. It allowed four student teams to pitch their ideas, showcasing various innovative ideas.
Meet the Teams: Innovative Ideas from Young Entrepreneurs
Each team had seven minutes to present their business ideas through PowerPoint presentations, followed by a Q&A session with the Dragons—judges known for their sharp insights and probing questions, offering valuable knowledge for improvement and success.
The teams and their business concepts included:
- Barkwood Pantry: A business dedicated to providing organic dog treats full of love that need no warning labels, ensuring the safety of both children and pets alike.
- Nobodyz: A podcast channel dedicated to providing entertainment to the populace, utilizing the group’s splendid personality mixture and outgoingness to engage their audiences.
- Band2Band: A company selling custom bracelets designed for athletes to give them a sense of comfort and courage in their activities.
- Dioniso: A mocktail brand catering to those seeking sophisticated, alcohol-free beverage options. Their motto is “partying without worrying”.
- INKtelligence: My own venture, offering writing services ranging from story to article writing for clients wanting to share a creative story with the world.
Lessons Learned from the Dragons
The Enspyre office provided an authentic business environment, complete with a meeting room. The atmosphere filled with anticipation. As one group presented, others sat outside, anxiously rehearsing and trying to listen in for tips.
Despite the inevitable pre-presentation jitters, each team stood before the Dragons and delivered their pitches with determination and courage. The Dragons and business owners were serious and critical in their judgments, yet they were empathic about our lack of experience. This was our first time, and even the bravest among us looked uncertain and uncomfortable awaiting their turn outside the room.
The Dragons—successful entrepreneurs themselves—offered detailed critiques, ranging from marketing strategies to financial feasibility. Their questions were sharp and to the point, helping us see our ideas from different perspectives.
I remember one Dragon asking, ‘What differentiates your service from existing competitors?’ I stumbled with my answer, and it made me realize how crucial it is to understand your market and articulate your unique value proposition.
For some, the experience was a humbling reminder of the challenges of entrepreneurship. Leaving the room, some team members looked shaken, realizing how much work and refinement their business ideas required. But many of us walked out with renewed hope and motivation, energized by the feedback and encouragement we received.
It was more than a presentation—this was a learning opportunity unlike any other. Through this process, we learned to think critically, accept constructive criticism, and adapt our ideas based on real-world feedback.
Our entrepreneurship class had always been about stepping beyond the classroom, and this experience resonated with that philosophy. Under the guidance of our teachers, we ventured into the business world, working hard while also enjoying the process of growth and discovery.
Professional Entrepreneurs
Besides our presentations, we had the privilege of attending the Dragons’ Chamber event at Meet Taipei—a showcase of professional startups pitching their ideas. From Virtual Reality to Artificial Intelligence, the presenters were undoubtedly well-prepared and proud of their progress.
Watching real business owners in action was inspiring. We saw the professionalism of their presentations and the rigorous questioning they faced, giving us a glimpse of what might lie ahead if we pursue entrepreneurial paths, as well as how much we need to learn.
As student entrepreneurs, we walked away from the Dragons’ Chamber with valuable lessons. We learned the importance of preparation, the need for clarity in communication, and the value of resilience in the face of the competitiveness of the business world.
Gratitude and the Road Ahead
We owe this incredible experience to Dominican International School Taipei and its seven-year partnership with Dragons’ Chamber. The opportunity to pitch in front of real business professionals at such a young age is rare and invaluable. Thus, I must thank our teachers, Mr. Victor and Dr. Mercia for organizing this event with the Dragons and guiding us through the process.
We are immensely grateful to the Dragons for their invaluable feedback and to Enspyre among other businesses or organizations for hosting an event that bridges the gap between students and the real business world.
Whether we left the room feeling abashed or inspired, we all left with a deeper understanding of what it takes to turn an idea into reality. For many of us, Dragons’ Chamber was just the beginning—a first step into the ever-changing and challenging world of business.
The journey of entrepreneurship is never easy, but as this experience has shown us, it is filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and innovate. And who knows? Perhaps one day, some of us will return to Dragons’ Chamber, not as student presenters, but as real entrepreneurs ready to take on the Dragons.
Sylvia Hoffmann is a freelance writer and high school student at Dominican International School in Taipei. She is passionate about aviation and creative writing, and in the future, she is planning to attend the Royal Military College of Canada to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. Read more about her at www.linkedin.com/in/inktelligence