The Young Entrepreneur Program

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

The Young Entrepreneur Program, piloted in the spring of 2014, is a program offered through the Orange County After School Zone that encourages youth to develop their entrepreneurial skills. Program participants meet weekly to develop a complete business plan for their self-created company that includes all elements of the business and a tangible prototype after eight weeks of participating in the Young Entrepreneur’s program. The After School Zone brings together fourteen of their Middle School sites to compete at the “Young Entrepreneur’s Shark Tank”. During this event, members pitch their product and business ideas to a panel of skilled entrepreneurs and community leaders. These experienced judges then consider each product and decide which company developed the most successful, thorough business plan and product. This influential program requires members to learn about the various aspects of business—including mathematical application, technology usage, marketing strategies, communication skills, and financial plans.