Building Youth Entrepreneurship Capacity in Kansas
GrantID: 7861
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
Grant Overview
Youth Entrepreneurship Bootcamps in Kansas
Kansas faces unique challenges in fostering youth entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas where resources and training options can be limited. According to the Kansas Department of Commerce, the state ranks below the national average in startup business creation among youth, with only 6% of high school students expressing interest in starting their own business when compared to the national average of 12%. This discrepancy highlights a significant barrier to economic growth and innovation within the state.
The communities in Kansas experiencing these barriers include both urban centers like Wichita and Topeka, and rural areas such as Scott City and Larned. In smaller communities, students often lack access to mentorship opportunities, startup funding, and comprehensive educational programs that foster entrepreneurial skills. This lack of resources affects students of diverse backgrounds, many of whom may not see entrepreneurship as a viable career path due to limited exposure and support.
This funding initiative aims to address these limitations by creating youth entrepreneurship bootcamps specifically designed for high school seniors in Kansas. The program will provide workshops that hone business acumen and innovative thinking. Participants will engage with local business owners who will offer mentorship, allowing them to gain firsthand knowledge about starting and running a business. Moreover, the program will culminate in students creating business plans that could potentially lead to actual startups, thus fostering economic growth in their respective communities.
By equipping Kansas youth with the skills necessary to navigate the business landscape, this initiative will not only enhance their educational experience but also strengthen the local economy. Empowering youth to become entrepreneurs can lead to job creation, increased economic activity, and a thriving community culture of innovation. The program emphasizes the importance of networking and resource utilization, aiming to cultivate a supportive ecosystem for young entrepreneurs.
As high school seniors engage in this initiative, their learning will be further enhanced through hands-on projects tailored to the local market needs and opportunities. The collaboration with local businesses ensures that students receive relevant insights and practical knowledge that directly relate to Kansas's unique economic context. By bridging the gap between education and real-world application, this program will deliver the foundational skills necessary for the next generation of business leaders in the state.
Eligible Regions
Interests
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