DECATUR - The high school students at Millikin University's Camp CEO this week are seeing first hand why starting and running a business isn't as easy as it might look.

About 12 aspiring entrepreneurs are taking part in the first camp at Millikin to learn about what it takes to run a business. It started Sunday and runs through Friday.

The students toured some established downtown Decatur establishments Tuesday to see what it takes to have a successful business.

Lynn Byrum, manager of Macon Ice Cream & More, said the success of the shop shows just about anything is possible. The shop, which is owned by Macon Resources, puts handicapped people to work in all aspects of the business.

It started in a small space on Prairie Avenue in March 2006 before expanding about a year ago into a larger space across the street with seating and display windows.

"Anybody can do it because we're using people who usually are less seen," Byrum said. "It's always a wonderful thing to encourage people to expand their horizons."

Jeff Daly, operations manager for the five Joyner Radio stations, said the stations' recent move to a downtown office shows the importance of location and visibility in the community for businesses.

"We see that as being vital when you get plugged into the community and see the results from that," Daly said. "That's more important than anything else."

Andy Heise, manager of Millikin's Blue Connection art gallery, said the business has made it five years in part due to having a solid business plan. The gallery sells art work from Millikin students, faculty and alumni and combines the talents of business and art students.

"In the end, it's much easier to run through the process with one in place," Heise said.

The campers are taking what they learn from those in the Decatur business community as they develop their own business plans to be judged at the end of the week. Blending the ideas of group members has proven to be one of the first challenges to overcome.

"We had three ideas, which were all awesome and unique in their own way," said Kelly Cox, a senior from Plainfield. "What they taught us really helped. When you can go from a lemonade stand to a business in what seems like three seconds, it's crazy."

Cox and her group, including Elijah Davenport of Harrisburg, Pa., had the idea to develop a fashion line called Avant-Garde. It would be an Internet-based business featuring Japanese street fashion with an urban feel, the group said.

"It's been a big challenge," said Morgan Mowry of Decatur, who will be a freshman at Meridian High School. "We've went through many stages."

Other camp activities include listening to guest speakers and recreation at places such as Rock Springs Nature Center and the Decatur Indoor Sports Center.

Chris Lusvardi can be reached at clusvardi@herald-review.com or 421-7972.