Share This Article
The YouthBiz program of Young Americans Center for Financial Education encourages young people to think, speak, and act like entrepreneurs.
Presentation at the Capital One Cafe
Throughout 2017, proud sponsor Capital One has been a valuable partner in this work, reaching more than 893 students in the first half of the year alone.
Thanks to a grant from Capital One, youth participated in numerous programs throughout the year. YouthBiz StartUp, a program for 5th-9th graders, introduces
youth to the basics of entrepreneurship through self-exploration, prototyping, and pitching a business in the culminating Shark Tank-style pitch competition. Youth practice business ownership in YouthBiz Out of the Box, in which students take out a business loan to develop their product and gain sales experience at a real marketplace in their schools or with Young Americans during our semi-annual events. Our YouthBiz Marketplace provides sales opportunities for young entrepreneurs of all experience levels—from those who are trying out a new business idea to “veterans” whose businesses are already profitable. Finally, aspiring young entrepreneurs convened at the Capital One Café last spring to turn old into new at a YouthBiz Up-Cycle Workshop. Capital One employees served as volunteers, guiding youth through a basic business plan and prototype.
Entrepreneurship education is being increasingly studied for its positive impacts on youth. For example, an NYU study showed that entrepreneurship education helps students develop skills that will help them in life and in school, noting improvements in communication and problem-solving skills. Young Americans is able to provide this education in a fun, hands-on way, thanks to partners like Capital One.
