early entrepreneurs initiative

for youth and young professionals

you have an idea,
but you need help bringing it to life?

we say yes to you and your big dreams of starting your own business.

The Early Entrepreneurs Initiative is an experiential education program for bold young people who are changemakers and risktakers. Your good ideas could make the world a better place!

You have all the potential. You just need support and resources.

This year-round program centers on high school and college-age students—ages 16 to 26—who want to create and build their own business, brand, product or service.

entrepreneur or Intrapreneur

are you more of an entrepreneur or intrapreneur?

Entrepreneurs organize and operate their own businesses… This could include: creating an original product or service; or innovating on something that already exists in the market. Intrapreneurs are leaders within existing companies who develop new products or enhance services. Both titles require great creativity and commitment.

Which one resonates with you? For your free Predictive Professional Profile, fill out this form or scan this QR Code.

ENTREPRENEURS

So you’re an entrepreneur…

What drives you?

An idea! Or the solution to a problem.
A mission or purpose: You know what you like or what interests you, but you can’t find an employer that matches.
Control: You have a clear plan. You love building and creating. You don’t want to wait for approval. You don’t like to be managed or told what to do.
Freedom: You like autonomy. You like to set your own schedule. You want to set your own direction and harness your own destiny.

To succeed, you must be:

A risk taker.
Committed and hyper focused.
Driven and self motivated.
Tenacious and resilient.
Optimistic and unafraid to fail.

start your business

quick steps to starting your business

Process. Ideate. Generate.
Prepare. Research.
Plan. Develop. Prototype. Test.
Present. Pitch. Package. Promote.
Practice. Sell. Revise. Enhance. Manifest success.

What do you need to know?

Product or Service Description: What is your product or service? How does it work? Why is it needed? What are the features or benefits? What is the value and price?
Competition: Is it a new product or service? Or an upgrade or innovation? Do a market analysis. What separates you from the competition (key differentiators)? What’s your unique selling proposition?
Your Market: Who are your customers? Define your target market. Develop personas to identify potential customer profiles and preferences.
Operations: How does your business function? People (management and personnel), production (manufacturing) and processes (systems).
Finance: How does your business earn money? What do you need to run your business: employees, equipment and expenses (overhead)? What resources do you have: capital, cash or assets? You will want to create financial forecasts: project your revenue, expenses, profit and loss, cashflow, balance sheet and break-even point.
Marketing and Sales: How do you sell your product or service? Distribution channels: online or website, storefront, in person events (markets, pop-up shops, tradeshows), retailers or resellers, or other. How do you market your product or service? Advertisements, commercials, email marketing, social media, partnerships, in person outreach or events, or other methods.
Create a business plan: See resources (below).
Your Timeline: What actions do you need to take (and when) in order to start your business? What resources do you need? Based on your plans and projections, figure out your ‘ask.’ Is it funding? Partnership? Community support? Something else…?