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Youth Entrepreneurship Project
“It’s not about simply teaching people how to fish, but helping them to own the pond.” John Perkins Description: Young Entrepreneurs Project (Y.E.P.) is an after-school program that develops and advances the entrepreneurial spirit of youth in McDowell County, West Virginia. Youth are trained and equipped to actively participate in the local business environment.
Statistics reveal that 7 out of 10 at-risk students in the U.S. want to start their own business.
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Empowerment through small business development is the heart of Y.E.P. Through this program, youth not only recognize their capabilities as entrepreneurs, but also enables them to envision a future for themselves that's full of potential.
Some of the businesses we seek to start involve custom graphic designing for shoes and clothing, as well as glass and stone gift engraving. Participants will complete business training and create a business plan that outlines each potential start-up business.
Latest Happenings: This summer, a group of 5 middle school youth started a personalized engraving business. After learning the basics of entrepreneurship, they practiced putting their own designs on coasters, travel mugs, and glasses. They took their business to a local arts and crafts festival in August where they set up a booth and sold their products.
Needs:
Can you volunteer a day in West Virginia to mentor our student businesses?
Can you supply seed money for a future student business start-up?
Can you provide training for our students and/or staff in any of these areas: Ebay store set-up, Illustrator and Photoshop software training, Product development, or Market Research?
