YEA!
Palos Verdes Youth Get Business Know-How with Young Entrepreneur Academy
“ I have always wanted to run my own business, so this was the perfect opportunity for me to learn how. I gained valuable time management skills in order to keep up with my schoolwork and high school sports.” —Hanna
“I want to tell you how doing the Young Entrepreneurs Academy during high school had such a huge impact on me and what type of career I want to pursue. I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy.” —Camryn
Do you know a middle or high school student who dreams of starting their own business or nonprofit? The Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s highly acclaimed Young Entrepreneurs Academy is the place!
Now in it’s ninth year, the Chamber’s YEA program is a ground-breaking educational program that takes students in grades six through twelve through the process of starting and running a real business or social movement. Students work closely with local business leaders to cultivate and research business ideas, write a business plan, pitch their business to a panel of investors, develop their brand, participate in a Trade Show at the Palos Verdes Street Fair, and actually launch their enterprise.
In addition to learning about the many facets of running a business (marketing, finance and accounting, technology, regulations and taxes, insurance, legal considerations, and more), the young entrepreneurs develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and self-confidence and learn about networking, how to deliver powerful presentations, and teamwork. Most importantly, they develop an “entrepreneurial mindset”—how to look for opportunities where others see problems. The hands-on skills and real-life training that the students acquire is invaluable to them in whatever field they choose to enter.
Local business leaders applaud the Chamber’s commitment to develop future business talent. Over 175 local students have successfully completed this program. The Chamber invites local business leaders to become involved with this program, by volunteering as business mentors or as a guest speaker, hosting field trips, or supporting the program through sponsorships.
The Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for this year’s program, which will run from February through May. Visit the Chamber’s website for the application and information, www.palosverdeschamber.com or call 310-377-8111.
