Do you know a young girl who wants to start a business?
In July, elementary school girls will get a chance to do just that at the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship at Chapman University.
The YESS Entrepreneurship Academy program is being led by Girls Inc. of Orange County and Chapman. Participants will learn about marketing, budgeting, creating a resume and interview skills.
The month-long program is aimed at third- to fifth-grade girls.
“It’s all about empowering our young girls in the world of business,” said Veronica Escobedo, director of Program Services at Girls Inc. “We’re hoping girls are engaged and learn and grow. We’re also hoping they become empowered to advocate for themselves and plan for what they want as they grow up.”
The first half of the program will teach business concepts while the second half will let participants launch their own business.
Businesses created in the past include a school supply store and a nail salon, Escobedo said.
On July 27 the business concepts will be showcased at Launch Labs at Chapman. Guests can come in and “shop” at the stores.
The program is a re-launch of a similar program with a new partnership with Chapman. The former program, the YESS Program, began 15 years ago and took place in Costa Mesa.
For the 2017 program, corporate leaders, especially female leaders, will help the girls develop their business skills.
Around 75 girls will participate in the program, which costs $700 per person.
Financial aid is available. Registration and additional information can be found at girlsinc-oc.org/ elementary-program/