Something as simple as running a lemonade stand can develop versatility and savvy in the adolescent years.
That entrepreneurial spirit can be a key to success in the business world today and in the foreseeable future, so a timely new program is fostering youthful exuberance into tangible business plans.
The Young Entrepreneurs Program will be hosted by JABC (Junior Achievement of British Columbia) for six weeks every Wednesday beginning Feb. 6.
All sessions will be held in the Midas Tech Club, located at 2950 Highway Drive in Trail.
The program is free for children ages nine to 12, and will run from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. all six Wednesdays.
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“This program was something that I have wanted to do for a long time,” says Mary Austin, program facilitator. “My son, and many young people, have entrepreneurial drive that can be seen very early with lemonade stands and participation in garage sales,” she explained.
“They often have very marketable skills, particularly if they are skilled with technology. Many young people in my circle have YouTube sites or already build video games online.”
The program will walk the students through the process of getting their business off the ground.
“And (they’ll be) working with other young people with similar interests,” Austin said. “It would be best if they were able to commit to the six weeks as they will be building their business over the course of these weeks.”
So far 14 youth have signed up, though registration is open until Wednesday.
“Junior Achievement is a nonprofit dedicated to educating youth in business, entrepreneurship and financial literacy,” Alanna Tynan, JABC program coordinator said. “We are excited to launch this series of six (free) workshops for local youth ages nine to 12 that will help inspire and educate Trail’s leaders of tomorrow.”
The interactive, after-school program facilitated by Austin and guest speakers, will provide basic business concepts and help identify the key success factors needed to turn personal and team performance into profit.
“Through this program, local youth will be inspired and equipped with the skills to bring their entrepreneurial ideas to life,” said Tynan.
For more information or to register your child, contact Alanna Tynan at alanna.tynan@jabc.org or call 250.580.0802.
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