The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber is kicking off a new school year for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy and is actively seeking participants and sponsorships.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is a groundbreaking 20-week program that teaches middle and high school students how to start and run their own businesses. Throughout the program, students develop business ideas, write business plans, conduct market research, pitch their plans to a panel of investors for startup funds, and launch and run their own, fully formed companies and social movements. The project-based program empowers students to take charge of their futures.

According to one of last year’s Investor Panel Judges and sponsors, Jonathan Miller from Miller Hardware, “I was taken aback from the experience and sincerely appreciate the opportunity to participate. The program and its instructors, DeWayne and Amanda Johnson are clearly making a positive impact. It is an incredible experience to expose a student to that degree of public speaking.”

The 2018-2019 program is scheduled to kick off with its Parent-Student Orientation and Sponsor Meet & Greet on Tuesday, October 9 at 5 p.m. at VSU’s Health Sciences & Business Administration building on North Campus.  “Scholarships and sponsorships from the community are essential to the program,” explained Chamber Vice President for Business Development Betty Morgan.  “We want to make the program accessible for every qualifying 11 to 17 year-old student who has an interest in entrepreneurship.”

A Premier Partner $5,000 sponsorship includes an exclusive judging seat and featured speaker opportunity at the YEA! Investor Panel Event; exposure and logo on local YEA! materials and website; media impressions from Thank You! story and recognition in YEA! press releases; enhanced reputation and significant recognition in your region as a leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement; and invitations to all YEA! signature events throughout the year, including the Investor Panel Event, CEO Roundtable Event, Trade Show, and Graduation.

An Investor Panel Judge $1,800 sponsorship includes an exclusive judging seat opportunity at the YEA! Investor Panel Event. A portion of the sponsorship will contribute to the launch of the student businesses.

A Champion Sponsorship of $1,200 includes recognition as a sponsor for the YEA! program. A portion of the sponsorship will help the students launch their business at the Chamber’s Primetime Expo in October 2019.

A Student Scholarship of $500 includes recognition at the “Sponsor Meet & Greet” where the sponsor representative will be paired with a student and receive relevant updates regarding the student’s progress.

An Event Sponsorship of $500 includes recognition at one of the YEA! events, such as CEO Roundtable, Media Meet & Greet, and Graduation.