CFPC graduated its second class of the Youth Entrepreneurship Project and funded five youth entrepreneurs. For our teen entrepreneurs, they are excited about turning all of their hard work into the reality of business ownership. But that dream doesn’t come easily. It’s difficult work with challenges around every corner. Their chance of success increases with access to the business knowledge and the guidance of experienced professionals. We believe that through business mentoring the youth entrepreneurs will achieve more.
Every teen funded through the Youth Entrepreneurship Project has completed Phase I. Phase I is the implementation of the 22-week Rural Entrepreneurship thru Action Learning (REAL) curriculum. REAL is a renowned K-12 curriculum being taught in 43 states. It provides a project-based learning environment aligned with national educational standards. REAL covers entrepreneurial skills, business plans, marketing, operation strategies and financial concepts. Every teen develops a business plan for a microbusiness. The completed business plan were pitched by the teen to a panel of local entrepreneurs who voted for up to five ventures, each receiving up to $500 to kick start their business. The teens are now in Phase 2 which is the launching of the businesses. Phase 3 begins when REAL graduates return to be mentors to the next class. Throughout all three phases, a full range of employability skills are taught by staff and business volunteers critical to the development of an individualized employability skill toolbox necessary for success.
Interested in becoming a business mentor or a speaker for the Youth Entrepreneurship Project please contact Dianna Morrison at 973-383-4787 or email [email protected]. The Youth Entrepreneurship Project is a program of CFPC in collaboration with NORWESCAP.