It seems that we have forgotten that children are our future. Whitney Houston references aside, it’s true. We clothe, feed, and nurture today’s youth, but those are the basics. There are a few things that many are missing out on, and entrepreneurial education is one of them.
Over the past thirty years, school districts have significantly reduced or completely eliminated programs that inspire and nurture kids’ creative and entrepreneurial tendencies. When was the last time you heard about an art or home economics class being offered at a public high school? Even worse is that the next generation is increasingly being pushed to attend college, despite the increasing cost, and the fact that post-secondary education may not accommodate their professional aspirations and ambitions. The students who want to develop an app or a custom car stereo business are stuck with amazing ideas that they can’t use because the curriculum that could teach them the basics of entrepreneurship just don’t fit schools’ constrained budgets.
This country runs on entrepreneurship. Each year, more than a million Americans roll up quit their 9-5 jobs, roll up their sleeves, and launch small businesses. Our economy depends on the success of small businesses, but it is leaving a significant demographic of aspiring entrepreneurs behind: kids.
Some of the greatest businesses to ever enter the marketplace have been helmed by kids. Ever heard of a little sandwich shop by the name of Subway? A high school student started the ever-popular sandwich chain in 1965. And some of the most influential small businesses being created by kids who have yet to hit puberty. Bee Sweet Lemonade is a Austin-based, multi-million-dollar company founded by seven year-old Mikaila Ulmer in 2011.
It’s never too early to teach entrepreneurship, or to encourage ideas. Kids are entrepreneurial by nature, and they’re not just interested in having neighborhood lemonade stands. They’re developing some of the most innovative and impactful businesses in recent memory, and it’s up to the adults in their lives, be it their parents, educators, or people who want to invest in the next generation to ensure that they achieve their goals no matter their age.
To the teens who may be reading this, we want you to know that your friends at BiGAUSTIN here for you. We know that you have business ideas, and that you want to see them grow. We can help. We’ve developed a curriculum that will teach how to start and manage a successful business, and how to find the investors and capital you need to get it going.
We offer free youth entrepreneurship programs for high school students throughout the year. If you’ll bring your business ideas and willingness to work hard, we’ll provide you with the tools you need to make your small business dreams a reality. For more information, please visit the BiGAUSTIN website by clicking here, or give us a call at 512-928-8010.
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