From ideas to enterprises: Empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs
Print
EmailMichigan’s youth to showcase their entrepreneurial ventures at the CEC Conference, inspiring communities to nurture future business leaders.
Youth entrepreneurship is experiencing a notable surge, driven by increasing interest among young individuals to pursue self-employment and innovative ventures. This trend emphasizes the importance of fostering entrepreneurial skills and providing supportive environments for youth-led enterprises.
A 2022 survey by Junior Achievement USA revealed that 60% of American teens would prefer to start their own business over having a traditional job. Additionally, 45% of youth indicated it would be most beneficial to learn about entrepreneurship from business owners.
Providing hands-on entrepreneurial experiences for youth can help them to develop essential life skills, such as communication, problem solving and time management. Other key skills that are enhanced through youth entrepreneurship include creativity, resilience, financial independence, leadership and teamwork skills.
Recognizing the growing interest in this area, Michigan State University Extension will be celebrating, supporting and empowering young entrepreneurs at the upcoming Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference in downtown Lapeer on May 29. During the conference networking event from 5:30-7:00 p.m., there will be a special section specifically for youth entrepreneurs, ages 9 – 19. Some of the youth businesses to be featured include No Bones About It, Wilderness Wicks Candle Co., Wyatt’s Woodworks, Digital Dragonettes Emporium, Devine Designs by Tabitha, Fur, Feathers & Fun, and jewelry by Lillyona Bain. The CEC youth entrepreneurship market aims to provide a platform for these aspiring business leaders to showcase their ventures, connect with industry mentors, practice their pitch and make a profit.
In addition, MSU Extension will host the “Empowering Young Entrepreneurs” workshop at the upcoming CEC Conference. This session is designed to share best practices and ways to spark the entrepreneurial pipeline in your community. Explore ways to motivate youth, allowing them to dream big and place value on a community where they could live, work and play one day. During the workshop, examples of how young people can explore entrepreneurship as a career option and develop an entrepreneurial mindset are shown. Curriculum, resources and innovative programs involving youth in business creation will be discussed.
MSU Extension invites entrepreneurs, community developers, educators, business leaders and community members to register for the CEC Conference, learn about best practices for entrepreneurial support, and join in championing the entrepreneurial spirit of the next generation. Your support can be the catalyst that transforms a budding idea into the next big success story.
MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development have programs and tools to empower young entrepreneurs. For more information on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education or entrepreneurship, contact 4-HCareerPrep@msu.edu.
