Since 2017, hundreds of students in grades 4-12 have participated in Ithaca's Youth Entrepreneurship Market (YEM) & training program.
Through a hands-on learning experience, students bring their ideas to fruition, learning business startup basics from local entrepreneurs and coaches.
"The market" is a culmination of business planning woven into the workshop series, where students launch their businesses into the community.
The workshop series empowers students through a business planning journey with the help of local entrepreneurs & coaches. Each workshop includes a presentation from a local entrepreneur sharing their startup story, followed by hands-on training sessions with a team of volunteer coaches. The goal of the workshops is to help students conceive and refine their idea, and then bring the concept to the public through a series of open-air markets or online while community gatherings are on hold.
Students brainstorm and refine their ideas to develop a focus for the remainder of the program.
Students develop their ideas with the assistance of a business plan worksheet, answering a series of questions that guide their planning.
Students develop a budget to understand details such as projected revenue, expenses, and pricing.
Students prepare to launch their businesses into the community, while developing their personal story, their pitch, branding, and marketing.
Students explore tools and best practices to manage finances generated from their new businesses.
Save your seat for the 2021 YEM season by booking a reservation below.
Inspiring entrepreneurial thinking through hands-on learning and connections to community, helping students realize the power of their ideas and their voices.
With storytelling & connections to local entrepreneurs
Through experiential learning & community connections
The power of entrepreneurial thinking & execution
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