For more than a decade, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) has given Mesa County students something bigger than an introduction to entrepreneurship: the opportunity to build and launch a real business.
Now in its 12th year locally, YEA! takes students in grades 6–12 through a 20-week entrepreneurial journey from idea to launch. Students develop a business concept and plan, receive one-on-one mentorship from local business leaders, pitch to investors, obtain real funding, and take the steps necessary to turn their ideas into operating businesses.
The results are here in our community. More than 100 local businesses have been created through YEA!, with graduates representing communities across Mesa County and many businesses continuing to operate today.
One of those entrepreneurs is Roan Baldwin, whose business, M3, uses AI-powered vending machines and remains in operation today. Last year, Roan was selected to represent the local YEA! program at national competition in Texas, one of the opportunities available to graduates as they pursue additional recognition, awards, and scholarships.
That depth of experience is what sets YEA! apart. Students aren’t simply learning entrepreneurship or presenting what a business could be. They spend five months doing the work to make it real, supported by the Chamber, local business mentors, and partnerships with CMU Tech and District 51. District 51 high school students can also earn elective credit through participation.
For the Chamber, YEA! is a long-term investment in our local economy, connecting today’s business community with young entrepreneurs and giving students the mentorship, resources, funding, and experience to move beyond an idea and actually launch.
Applications for the next YEA! cohort are now open to students in grades 6–12. No previous business experience is required.