Youth Entrepreneurship Program Begins January 26

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ – The Center for Prevention and Counseling (CFPC) is excited to announce its second session of “From Learning to Earning Youth Entrepreneurship Program” (YEP).  According to the Small Business Administration, entrepreneurship plays a vital role in our economy with small businesses generating over 65% of new net jobs since 1995 and over 50% of the working population employed in small businesses.  Youth entrepreneurship inspires our youth to succeed by not only building a employability skill toolbox but providing a vehicle for them to recognize opportunities and empowering them to take ownership of their future in ways which builds bridges between education and real-world success.  According to Maria Pinelli, Ernst & Young and chair of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, “It is entrepreneurs who represent the best hope of creating sustained economic growth around the world.  Students who can develop the entrepreneurial mindset early on are going to have a distinct advantage, whether economic conditions are weak or strong.”

YEP meets on Tuesday nights beginning January 26, 2016 in Sparta from 6 until 8 pm. The program provides dinner with the opportunity to join other teenagers, harnessing creativity, talents and imagination to build financial independence through entrepreneurship.  Phase I of From Learning to Earning will be the implementation of the Rural Entrepreneurship thru Action Learning (REAL) course.  REAL is a renowned curriculum being taught in 43 states.   REAL covers entrepreneurial skills, business plans, marketing, operation strategies and financial concepts.  During Phase I, the teens will receive $10 per week to address barriers to inclusion, such as gas expenses, and to teach pro-active financial behaviors.  Following the completion of REAL, the teens will pitch their business plan to a panel of local entrepreneurs who will vote for up to five ventures, each receiving up to $500 to kick start their business.  Phase 2 will be the launching of the youth businesses.  YEP is an initiative of CFPC in collaboration with NORWESCAP.  CFPC received an operating support grant from the Office of Faith Based Initiatives, a Division of Programs in the Department of State for the Youth Entrepreneurship Project.   Are you a local business person interested in sharing your entrepreneurial experiences with teens?  Know a teen who would be interested in participating?  Contact Dianna Morrison at 973-383-4787 or dianna@centerforprevention.org for further information.

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