From ideas to enterprises: Empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs
Print
EmailMichigan’s youth to showcase their entrepreneurial ventures at the CEC Conference, inspiring communities to nurture future business leaders.
Youth entrepreneurship is experiencing a notable surge, driven by increasing interest among young individuals to pursue self-employment and innovative ventures. This trend emphasizes the importance of fostering entrepreneurial skills and providing supportive environments for youth-led enterprises.
A 2024 survey by Junior Achievement USA revealed that 71% of teens surveyed responded they would be likely to consider starting a business as an adult. Additionally, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the highest participation rates in entrepreneurship are being driven largely by the younger generations.
Recognizing this interest, Michigan State University Extension 4-H will be celebrating, supporting and empowering young entrepreneurs on their journeys at the upcoming Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference in downtown Newaygo on May 28. During the conference networking event, to be held 5:30-7:00 p.m., there will be a special section found near the Sportsman Bar specifically for youth entrepreneurs ages 9 – 19. Youth businesses featured at the conference will be The Daily Grain Bread Co., Handmade Haven, Nine Pines Homestead, and The Sticker Store. Youth will be selling a variety of items including jewelry, plush toys, keychains, children’s books, sourdough bread and even live mealworms.
Providing hands-on entrepreneurial experiences for youth can develop essential life skills such as communication, problem solving and time management. Other key benefits of youth entrepreneurship are that it increases creativity, builds resilience, encourages financial independence, and instills leadership and teamwork skills. The CEC youth entrepreneurship market aims to provide a platform for these aspiring business leaders to showcase their ventures, connect with industry mentors, practice their pitch and make a profit.
We invite entrepreneurs, community developers, educators, business leaders and community members to register for CEC Conference, learn about best practices for entrepreneurial support, and join in championing the entrepreneurial spirit of the next generation. Your support can be the catalyst that transforms a budding idea into the next big success story.
Want to learn more about youth entrepreneurship for your community? Join the “Empowering Young Entrepreneurs” workshop during this year’s CEC Conference. This workshop, offered by MSU Extension, is designed to share best practices and ways to spark the entrepreneurial pipeline in your community. Explore ways to motivate youth, allowing them to dream big and place value on a community where they could live, work and play one day.
During the workshop, examples of how young people can explore entrepreneurship as a career option and develop an entrepreneurial mindset will be shown. Curriculum, resources and innovative programs involving youth in business creation will be discussed. This workshop is one of many sessions available through the upcoming CEC Conference.
MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development have programs and tools to empower young entrepreneurs. For more information on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education or entrepreneurship, contact 4-HCareerPrep@msu.edu.
