EMBRACING FAILURE: Learn to work through difficult moments and view failure as an opportunity to grow and learn something new. Entrepreneurship is more than starting a business, it’s a way of thinking and doing. These mindsets and skills can be practiced and improved by youth AND adults. Read more about Embracing Failure. Learn about teaching ways to embrace failure at a YEI Educator Power Hour on January 21.
Lemonade Day is a free, national program that is a fun way to teach students about entrepreneurship and business though the time-honored tradition of starting and operating a lemonade stand. This year, Lemonade Day is offering both a print and online version. Click here to request materials. Contact Jessica Dragar with any questions.
Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge is available this year with enhancements to provide more educator support and a dynamic distance learning experience for those who need it. As in the past, the contest will be open to students in all 21 counties of northeast Ohio in grades K-12. Please complete our classroom registration form. New workshops include Zoom-led sessions for your in-person or remote students and options for professional coaching to help your students. Click here to learn more about prizes, rules, and other information. We are extending the deadline for entries until April 1!
Young Entrepreneur Market has moved inside for the winter season! Please visit local student entrepreneurs at the Farm & Flea Indoor Market at Great Lakes Mall on Saturdays through March 13 from 11 AM – 2 PM. Great Lakes Mall is located at 7850 Mentor Avenue, Mentor OH. If you know of another indoor market in your neighborhood, please contact Jessica Dragar.
We are hosting two Educator Power Hours in January! Join us for one or both sessions. On Thursday, January 14, the Power Hour will focus on Pitch Challenge. Hear from educators who have implemented the program and participate in sample, fun activity for your class or program.
The following Thursday, January 21, our Power Hour will focus on Fail-ing Forward. There will be several great speakers and activities. Both sessions are from 4-5 PM EST. Click here to learn more and sign up!
Looking for ways to enhance your high school entrepreneurship course? BizInnovator’s ten-session online, interactive PD that takes you through the Lean Startup Method, Design Thinking, and helps you (re)design your Entrepreneurship course. YOU can earn graduate credit. And once you are certified, your students can earn transferable college credit.
Are you looking to harness the summer of 2021 to help students develop their talents and passions while becoming reengaged in their education? Entrepreneurship education can help students strengthen their “entrepreneurial mindsets,” identify skills and interests, and explore ways in which students can apply their talents to solve problems. Join the Ohio Afterschool Network and several amazing speakers on February 3 to learn more. More information will be coming soon. Contact Liz Nusken with any questions.
Congratulations and welcome to Nicole Canitano, who has joined YEI as Program Manager for Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge and High School Programming. Nicole’s past experience includes eight years at Destination Cleveland, where she created and implemented programs to improve the experience for visitors to Cleveland. Nicole has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Miami University, and she spent five years teaching fifth grade in the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Schools. We are thrilled to have her on the team!
When sisters Rayna, Moselle, and Romi received mask chains as a gift this past spring, their little brother Zander felt a bit left out. The girls identified a problem, found a solution and made one for him.
That simple act of kindness was the start of their entrepreneurial journey and Sunshine Sisters Boutique. Soon their beaded three-way chains and bracelets were being worn by their teachers, friends and neighbors. The girls take pride in creating their designs, interacting with customers, and have become more confident with handling money and making change.
Recently they were interviewed for an episode of The Sound of Ideas (starting at 46:12) and shared some of their experiences selling in the community. When not doing schoolwork, this hardworking trio has been experimenting with different materials to expand their product offerings and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
You can visit Sunshine Sisters Boutique on January 30 at the Farm & Flea Indoor Market at Great Lakes Mall or place a custom order by sending an email.
At YEI, we believe that every child should understand and experience entrepreneurship. This study, published in 2012 by researchers at the University of Amsterdam, helps outline several benefits of entrepreneurship education. You can find more studies and articles about entrepreneurship education on our resource page.
Did you know that libraries are growing local economies by nurturing entrepreneurs? Public libraries are well-positioned to help reduce access barriers for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, especially low-income and other disadvantaged backgrounds. Read the entire article by Mel Lambert and Betsey Suchanic here.