This fall, we will celebrate TEN years of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). Close to 90 businesses have been launched over the past nine years through this program and the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce (GJACC) – this calls for celebration!
GJACC saw a tremendous opportunity a decade ago and jumped at the chance to bring this unique program to Grand Junction. YEA!, the first of its kind in Colorado (and still the only Colorado faction), would benefit students who had larger aspirations for themselves. YEA! Grand Junction has been steadily growing ever since its maiden year in 2013. This program brings an incredible opportunity to Grand Junction and we are ready for the next ten years!
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy, (YEA!) takes students in grades six through twelve through the process of starting and running real businesses over the course of a full academic year. Students work in close cooperation with local leaders of industry, community members, and educators to develop ideas and objectives, write business plans, pitch potential investors, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, develop their brand identity and much more!
By the end of the class, students own and operate fully functioning businesses that can be carried on after graduation. Students learn to make a job–not just take a job! YEA!’s direct mission is to help students embrace their passion, energy, creativity and talents, launch a venture, and view entrepreneurship as synonymous with success and freedom.
As we prepare for our next class of Young Entrepreneurs Academy, we’d like to thank those who are supporting us in doing so.
Do you have a student at home who’s interested in running their own businesses? The recruitment process for sponsors and students for the next class starting this fall has begun! interested students can apply NOW for the YEA! Class of 2023 at www.gjchamber.org/young-entrepreneurs-academy-yea or contact Kirstin Maska at 970-263-2916 or kirstin@gjchamber.org.