The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) has provided Palos Verdes students from seventh to twelfth grade with the opportunity to formulate and showcase unique business ideas for nine years. The Academy, hosted by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, is a four-month program that includes a weekly class, introductions to local business leaders, and insight into the entrepreneurial mindset.
At the conclusion of the four months, students present their business or product to a panel of judges at the showcase. The panel includes local Palos Verdes business leaders. In the 2023 session, 22 students participated, with first through fifth place winners and honorable mentions being selected for their outstanding products at the conclusion of the program.
Derek Gable, the leader of the program alongside Chamber President & CEO Eileen Hupp, got his start with the Young Entrepreneurs over nine years ago when he spoke to the students about his own experience as an entrepreneur. Gable has quite the history as an inventor, with time spent working at Mattel and eventually founding his own innovation company, West Coast Inventions, to create everything from toys to medical products.
Today, Gable seeks to inspire Young Entrepreneurs. He focuses “on the people skills – building confidence – learning to inspire and lead and being able to make Powerful Presentations.”
“I LOVE the program and feel the difference it makes to all concerned,” Gable said.
As for the future difference makers, here are some highlights from this year’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy class.
Caimin McDuffie, 1st Place
McDuffie invented a product called SipNGo, an essential for those who love the outdoors. The SipKit provides users with clean and flavored water using an in-line filter and a flavor dispenser from a water bladder as an attachment. For Business Propositions, email SipNGokit@gmail.com.
“No need to deal with slow filters or sticky bladders, all you need is the SipKit and you will be on your way in no time,” McDuffie said.
Cameron Koch, 1st Place
Tied for first place were Caimin McDuffie and Cameron Koch. Both Young Entrepreneurs just finished 10th grade at Palos Verdes High School, and pitched outstanding ideas to the panelists.
Koch’s product, Boneafide, is “A Better Bone” for your dog. A monthly subscription service, Koch describes Boneafide as “sure to please your pup” due to its “simplicity, quality and fun of only three all-natural, healthy ingredients AND with a fun twist of a genuinely healthy flavor monthly, such as bananas, apples, pumpkin and more.” To place an order, visit www.boneafide.dog.
Mason Perrault, 2nd Place
In second place came Mason Perrault, a rising sophomore at Palos Verdes High School, with a product called Spike Spots. The first volleyball specific silicone target used on the indoor court to improve hitting accuracy during training and drills.
Lea Yang, 4th Place
Scentstone Jewelry by _____ was awarded fourth place. The company offers necklaces and bracelets that incorporate porous lava beads which hold and diffuse essential oils, releasing their scent throughout the day. Customers can choose three essential oils with aromatherapy qualities like enhancing calmess, energy, or relaxation. Each bracelet can be purchased as a kit with the 3 essential oils for $18, or individually for $7 from www.scentstonejewelry.com or scentstonejewelry@gmail.com.
Devan Khurana, 5th Place
Seventh grade Chadwick student Devan Khurana came In fifth place with his invention, Beanie Up. The product is a beanie with an LED light in the front and a satellite GPS tracker in the back. Beanie Up can be used to stay safe and on the grid while hiking, camping, and skiing.
Two other Young Entrepreneurs Storey Kuo and Abby Cheung were also recognized. Kuo, a rising sophomore at Chadwick, wrote a children’s picture book, “The Magical Arguing Cookies,” and designed a stretchy small pouch, KayPouch. Cheung, a rising junior at PV, created the SaveYOU Kit which is a practical, compact, and functional kit of over 40 items to treat minor travel emergencies. It includes a grooming kit, super glue, a usb cord, band aids, ointments, OTC medications and more.
