 With the application deadline for the 2022 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition approaching, I'd like to address the proven benefits of exposing youth to entrepreneurship opportunities at an early age.
As standardized testing has become more common in public schools, opportunities for students to innovate and collaborate with others have become more scarce. Through entrepreneurship education and business ownership, youth develop "soft skills" like critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, collaboration, creativity, public speaking, self-advocacy, and ability to plan for and achieve long-term goals.
Even if young entrepreneurs decide not to pursue business ownership as adults, the skills they acquire make them uniquely prepared to succeed in school, in business, and in life.
The reality is, 93 percent of employers view soft skills as essential or very important. Young people entering the workforce need to be equipped not only with technical skills to be successful, but also with the soft skills that will be required to compete in a rapidly evolving environment.
During a recent Philanthropy Roundtable, Kylie Stupka, CEO of Empowered explained “Like any career path, starting a business may not “work” for everyone — but the components of an entrepreneurial mindset are universally applicable. An entrepreneurial or growth mindset helps young people see challenge as an opportunity, not an obstacle.”
Like Kylie, we believe that an entrepreneurial mindset can guide young people of all backgrounds to successful careers. Many of today’s jobs will not exist tomorrow and many of tomorrow’s jobs do not yet exist so we need to create a generation of young people who are prepared to thrive in an uncertain world, equipped with the ability to adapt, pivot, invent and reinvent.
All of our YouthBiz programs are designed to educate and empower youth to create their own successful futures.
Learn more about YouthBiz programs, workshops, and our annual business competition here.
Sincerely,
Rich Martinez
President and CEO
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DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN BUSINESS? ENTER TO WIN!
Each year, we invite Colorado’s top youth business owners, ages 6 to 21, to apply to the Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition.
Young entrepreneurs must complete an online application, then a panel of judges will select a winner and two finalists in each age category.
Winners will be announced at our annual Gala in the fall with cash prizes totaling $10,000. Winners are also paired with a leading business owner from the Colorado community to serve as their mentor.
The application deadline is June 4th, so don't delay!
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A Very Special Thank You:
YouthBiz Spring Marketplace
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Thank you to our 50 young business owners for sharing your passion, talent, and business savvy at the YouthBiz Spring Marketplace. And thank you, shoppers, for supporting our young entrepreneurs.
Interested in learning more about starting your own business? Check out our YouthBiz workshop series and summer camps for budding young entrepreneurs.
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BUILD A BUSINESS, RULE THE WORLD,
BE MONEY SMART!
Week-long day camps for 3rd-8th grade students feature fun, hands-on learning opportunities. Camps are $250 per child per week. Financial assistance is available.
Camps include: Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, and YouthBiz.
Details and registration here.
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Sponsor Spotlight:
JPMorgan Chase & Co. works to uplift all communities
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JPMorgan Chase & Co. has been a community partner of the Young Americans Center for Financial Education for 15 years. They are a strong supporter both in philanthropic aspects and in donating their time.
Over the past months, team members from JPMC’s local offices have lent a hand to help with a variety of volunteer opportunities at the Center, including assembling prototype kits for teachers to use with their students as they design their products. 
We truly appreciate our corporate volunteers and JPMC has stepped up in a meaningful way with our in-person needs since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
If you think your organization may be interested in helping out with YouthBiz or our Center programs, Young AmeriTowne and International Towne, you may find information about volunteering here.
Read more about how JPMorgan Chase & CO. employees have shown their support through volunteerism.
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Concept of the Month: Making a Budget
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People make decisions about what they can afford, or have enough money to pay for, based on a budget.  A budget tracks the amount of money you have, the amount you earn, and the amount you spend.
Budgets aren’t just for adults. Kids can make budgets, too. Budgets can help kids figure out how to get the things they want.
Cultivating good budgeting habits from a young age makes those habits more likely to stick in adulthood.
Learn how to make a budget.
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