Fall 2025 Initiatives

Mentorship and Networking Programs:

Youth in underserved communities lack access to mentors and professional networks, key elements that can significantly enhance entrepreneurial success. Our initiative will create a mentorship program where experienced business owners and professionals from various industries guide youth participants. Studies show that entrepreneurship training, when combined with mentorship, has a higher likelihood of producing successful business outcomes (UNICEF, 2021). By connecting youth to a broad network of professionals, we aim to open doors that would otherwise remain closed.

Funding Opportunities:

One of the primary barriers for young entrepreneurs is the lack of access to startup funding. Through partnerships with local businesses, investors, and government entities, we will offer grants, microloans, and pitch competitions to provide the necessary financial resources for promising young entrepreneurs. Access to funding is critical for turning entrepreneurial intentions into successful ventures (OECD, 2023), and by providing this support, we aim to reduce the economic barriers that prevent underserved youth from launching their businesses.

School-Based Entrepreneurship Programs:

We plan to collaborate with local schools and after-school programs to introduce entrepreneurship education into the curriculum. Research shows that exposure to entrepreneurship during adolescence significantly increases the likelihood of pursuing entrepreneurial ventures later in life (Obschonka et al., 2012). By embedding entrepreneurial training into educational settings, we can nurture entrepreneurial thinking from a young age.

Entrepreneurship Competitions:

We will mentor a group of 10 students as they develop a unique business plan throughout the school year. Each spring, we will host annual entrepreneurship pitch competitions where these same youth can present their business ideas to an audience and compete for funding. These competitions provide real-world experience in developing business plans, pitching to investors, and receiving constructive feedback. Evidence suggests that entrepreneurship competitions can stimulate innovation and provide youth with the confidence and resources to move forward with their business ventures (UNICEF, 2021; OECD, 2023).

Curriculum Development:

Our program will offer a customized curriculum focused on essential business skills such as financial literacy, digital marketing, and leadership. This curriculum will be designed to build entrepreneurial capabilities beyond starting businesses—helping youth become more adaptable, creative, and confident in their future careers. According to research, entrepreneurial education that goes beyond business plans and integrates life skills fosters a well-rounded mindset that prepares youth for multiple career pathways (Jones & Iredale, 2010).

Expected Outcomes:

Through our multifaceted approach, we expect to see significant improvements in the following areas:

Increased entrepreneurial knowledge and skills among youth participants, enabling them to start and manage businesses.

Higher rates of business creation and self-employment among underserved youth, leading to greater economic mobility.

Expansion of professional networks for youth participants, improving their access to industry-specific advice and opportunities.

Improved access to capital for young entrepreneurs, reducing financial barriers to starting a business.