EmpowerGen Youth Entrepreneurship Program
The EmpowerGen Youth Entrepreneurship Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower young individuals aged 15-18 with the skills, resources, and mentorship needed to become successful entrepreneurs. This program focuses on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills, while also providing practical knowledge about business development and financial literacy.
The EmpowerGen Youth Entrepreneurship Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower young individuals aged 15-18 with the skills, resources, and mentorship needed to become successful entrepreneurs. This program focuses on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills, while also providing practical knowledge about business development and financial literacy.
Key Components of the EmpowerGen Program:
- Entrepreneurial Education:
- Workshops and Seminars: Regular sessions on business planning, market analysis, financial management, marketing strategies, and customer relations.
- Curriculum: A structured curriculum that covers the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including idea generation, business model development, and legal considerations.
- Skill Development:
- Hands-On Projects: Participants work on real-world projects, developing their own business ideas and bringing them to life through practical exercises.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Activities designed to enhance analytical skills, decision-making, and innovative thinking.
- Mentorship and Guidance:
- Experienced Mentors: Each participant is paired with an experienced entrepreneur who provides personalized guidance, support, and industry-specific insights.
- Networking Opportunities: Access to a network of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who offer advice and mentorship.
- Resource Access:
- Business Resources: Access to tools and resources such as business plan templates, financial calculators, and market research databases.
- Technology and Equipment: Provision of necessary technology and equipment to support business development, including laptops, software, and internet access.
- Financial Literacy:
- Budgeting and Financial Planning: Training on how to create and manage budgets, understand financial statements, and plan for business growth.
- Investment and Funding: Education on various funding options, including loans, grants, and venture capital, as well as guidance on pitching to investors.
- Leadership and Personal Development:
- Leadership Training: Workshops focused on building leadership qualities, including communication, teamwork, and project management.
- Confidence Building: Activities and exercises aimed at boosting self-confidence and resilience, preparing participants to face entrepreneurial challenges.
- Community Engagement:
- Service Learning Projects: Opportunities for participants to engage in community service projects, applying their entrepreneurial skills to address local issues.
- Collaboration with Local Businesses: Partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide practical experience and community-based projects.
Program Outcomes:
By the end of the program, participants will have:
- Developed a viable business plan and gained practical experience in launching a business.
- Acquired essential entrepreneurial skills, including financial literacy, marketing, and strategic planning.
- Built a network of mentors and industry contacts.
- Gained confidence in their ability to start and run a business.
- Enhanced leadership and critical thinking skills.
- Contributed positively to their communities through service-learning projects.
The EmpowerGen Youth Entrepreneurship Program aims to create a generation of confident, skilled, and innovative
young entrepreneurs who are well-prepared to succeed in the business world and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Meet the Catron Brothers
Shawn & Mell
The Catron Brothers, participants in the EmpowerGen program, have leveraged the resources, mentorship, and guidance provided to launch both a for-profit and a nonprofit venture. Through the program, they received support in business planning, financial literacy, and organizational development, enabling them to establish The Catron Brothers LLC, a thriving business built on their entrepreneurial vision, as well as a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving back to their community.
EmpowerGen’s hands-on coaching and access to resources helped the brothers navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business, from legal formation and funding strategies to marketing and operational management. Their journey exemplifies how targeted mentorship and structured support can empower young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into impactful ventures, creating opportunities for both personal success and community enrichment.