Dear GCISD Teachers and Counselors, Dear GCISD Staff Members, We’re searching for ambitious, creative, talented and motivated middle and high school students who are excited to learn how to transform a passion and an idea into a REAL business over the course of an academic year. To nominate a student to apply for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Class of 2015, please follow the simple steps below!
1. CONSIDER DYNAMIC STUDENTS GREAT FOR THE YEA! PROGRAM
The types of students who excel in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy are highly motivated, driven, creative, thinkers who are excited about new ideas, new opportunities, and are looking to do something big. No business experience is required to be successful in the YEA! program. Often times, YEA!’s most successful students are those who have a certain passion or talent and are excited to further develop that passion. Other ideal students are excited by the concept of becoming a business owner. Some simply like the concept of ‘Shark Tank’ which is what this program is modeled after.
2.
TALK WITH YOUR STUDENT
Once you’ve chosen a good candidate, excite them about this opportunity, highlight the attached program materials, point out the time commitment required and get an application into their hands!
3. NOMINATED STUDENTS APPLY
The student you have nominated will then submit the application to the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce and schedule a time for an interview. Grapevine Chamber of Commerce Attention – Michael Miori 200 Vine Street Grapevine, Texas 76051 michael@grapevinechamber.org 817-481-1522
Q & A Sheet - Changing the Way the World Views Economic and Social Entrepreneurship What is the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)? YEA! is a fun and exciting class that guides middle and high school students through the process of starting their own REAL business or nonprofit organization, and teaches them how to make a job - not just take a job! Students learn as much about self-esteem, personal potential and leadership skills as they do about budgeting, planning and production. They have an opportunity to work directly with, and learn from, business leaders in the local community that YEA! serves! 1118 year olds start as students and graduate as CEOs! What do students do in YEA!? YEA! students do everything that an adult would do who is starting a real business – everything is experiential! They go through the process of identifying and finessing their big idea, writing a formal business plan, presenting their plan to a live panel of investors for their start-up capital funding (think “Shark Tank”!) and then actually launch their business! From registering their DBAs to filing tax returns, YEA! students do everything an adult would do who is starting their own real business. How long has the program existed? The Young Entrepreneurs Academy began with one class at the University of Rochester in 2004 with support from the Kauffman Foundation. YEA! is expanding nationwide to help students across our country launch and live the American Dream! The 2014-2015 session will be the third year for GCISD. Where are YEA! classes offered? YEA! Classes operate at 89 locations in 30 states from Maine to California! YEA! is offered in Grapevine, Texas! Classes will be held in the TECC wing of Grapevine High School. What percentage of YEA! students graduate high school, and attend college? 100% of YEA! graduates graduate high school on time and 99% of those eligible enroll in secondary education. Who are YEA! students? Successful YEA! students are dedicated, focused, and passionate about business. They have a drive to succeed and are energetic and enthusiastic. 49% of YEA! students are female and 56% are underrepresented minorities. How many students and volunteers have participated in the YEA! program? Since 2004, 1,394 students have graduated from YEA! and have launched over 1,000 enterprises. Over 13,000 business and community leaders have supported the students’ experiences as YEA! volunteers. What is the goal of the program? YEA!’s direct mission is to help students embrace their passion, energy, creativity and talents, launch a venture, and view entrepreneurship and social innovation as synonymous with success and freedom. How are the classes structured? Throughout the course and curriculum, students receive weekly instruction on various matters relating to the process of starting and running a business or social movement. Students meet weekly for 3 hours after school for 30 weeks from September to May. Students apply to get into the class. Students also benefit from an array of local entrepreneurs as guest speakers who present on various entrepreneurial related topics linked to specific lessons, and students, as a class, take field trips to local businesses seeing the “real-world” application of what they’re learning in the classroom.
What role does the community play in YEA? YEA! strengthens the community and the community strengthens YEA!. Students are able to network with and develop relationships with local business leaders, create jobs, and launch businesses in their own backyard. Students see that they can make a difference within the communities in which they live. The enthusiasm and success of the students are empowering for the entire community! What type of companies & organizations participate in the program? Examples of YEA! Supporters Include: • •
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Kauffman Foundation Saunders Foundation Toshiba
• • • •
Blue Cross Blue Shield Walmart Sam’s Club RIT Saunders College of Business
Q. How can I get more information? Grapevine Chamber of Commerce Attention - Mr. Michael Miori 200 Vine Street, Grapevine, TX 76051 michael@grapevinechamber.org 817-481-1522
National Winner From Grapevine, Texas!
• • • • •
Xerox State Farm Insurance Go Daddy.com FedEx Staples
Drew DeHaven, CEO of CGE Energy, took second place at the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) National Saunders Scholarship Competition in Washington D.C. The awards presentation took place during the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 10th Annual America's Small Business Summit, June 12, 2014. A 14-year-old, eighth grade student from GrapevineColleyville ISD, Drew is the CEO of CGE Energy, which stands for Clean, Green and Emergency. He is developing emergency solar powered generators that are portable, cost effective and easy to use. Drew was one of six national finalists selected from three regional competitions around the country, with thousands of students competing at the local level. The finalists presented their business plans at the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Competition Luncheon, June 11, 2014. “The Grapevine Chamber is so proud of Drew’s accomplishments, in representing our community in our nation’s capital and creating this environmentally conscious business," says RaDonna Hessel, CEO of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce. "The YEA! Program offers enterprising students the opportunity to take their business ideas and turn them into a reality, and we are very impressed with what our future business and community leaders have to offer." "The Chamber is privileged to have the support of the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District, local businesses and volunteers who make this program possible for our students” says Hessel.
Success Stories Elishia Ortiz, CEO Young & Fit Obsessed with fitness and eating right, Elishia turned her passions into a business enterprise in YEA!. With the goal of making fitness fun for students in grades 1-6, Elishia created a healthy living video that includes healthy recipes, in-class and gym exercises. Elishia’s goal is to fight childhood obesity and to make fitness fun. During YEA!, Elishia was able to sell her DVD to the Geneseo School District, and began talks with Wegmans and local health companies to distribute her DVD. Elishia also signed a contract with Wegmans, which now sells Young & Fit DVDs in 12 New York State locations! In the summer of 2009, Elishia was invited to Roseland Water Park to sell her DVD’s and to demonstrate fitness on their main stage by inviting visitors to join in on the fun! In the fall of 2009, Elishia matriculated into RIT. She continues to promote her Young & Fit DVD, and is exploring additional ways to grow her business. She is also committed to helping other young entrepreneurs be able to start their own businesses.
Eric Meyer, CEO Spotlight Entertainment Eric enrolled in YEA! during his sophomore year in high school and began his business empire. Spotlight Entertainment began as a video production company specializing in weddings, corporate, and private events. Eric prided himself in delivering a high-quality product with a personal touch. After graduation Spotlight Entertainment grew to include corporate and resort video services, allowing Eric to travel from the Bahamas to South Carolina. Eric then created his second business, Young Scholar Adventures (YSA). This company creates educational summer enrichment opportunities for students in their local areas. YSA began on the SUNY Geneseo campus, and has since grown to include locations in Manchester, NH and New London, CT. Eric began his sophomore year at the University was the recipient of the University’s Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Awards and one of 100 young entrepreneurs nationwide to receive a scholarship award from the McKelvey Foundation. Eric requested, and was granted, a single room on campus, which enables him to run both of his businesses while attending school full time.
Trevor Burns, CEO Spirited Sweets Trevor has been able to take what he learned in YEA!, and create a social movement with an action plan! As an eighth grader, Trevor joined YEA! to learn more about the business world. He and his business partner created Spirited Sweets, a company that provided candy with customized wrappers for school and work events to promote unity and school/work spirit. Trevor and his partner continued their business for several months after graduation but bigger ideas came along. In 2007, Trevor created what was to be a two week public relations campaign for DECA-“Don’t Text and Drive.” The campaign grew, however, when Trevor decided to use his YEA! materials and drafted a full-scale business plan. He gathered volunteers and investors, created promotional products, and organized an assembly that featured Senator Jim Alesi and Rochester District Attorney Mike Green. Trevor’s campaign took first place at the NY State DECA competition. Trevor remains committed to the campaign, and has created a website, TextSmart, to spread the message of phone safety and etiquette. In September of 2009, Trevor began his senior year of high school, and hopes to study entrepreneurship in college.
Success Stories John Johnson, CEO Running Wild Paintball John Johnson was already one of only 500 certified master air smiths in the nation when he joined YEA! Master air smiths are trained by the Paintball Training Institute, and certified in all aspects of paintball—from repair to regulations. Through YEA!, John created a website that promotes and sells paintball products and services, as well as offers repairs to paintball equipment. John also opened a paintball field in Nunda, NY. In September 2009, John began his sophomore year at SUNY Geneseo and continues to run his website and his paintball field from his dorm room. He is earning his degree in Business Administration, and plans to grow and maintain his business after graduation.
Sheel Tyle,CEO Holiday Helpers Along with three partners, Sheel began Holiday Helpers while a student in YEA! Holiday Helpers created the Holiday Helpers Clip, which allowed people to easily hang decorative lights on indoor or outdoor surfaces. Holiday Helpers did not continue after the class, but Sheel was able to take what he learned, and apply it. Sheel graduated from high school a year early, and enrolled in Stanford University. In 2008, he was appointed to the ObamaBiden Health Policy Advisory Committee, and also works with Secretary of Defense William Perry on the Preventive Defense Program. Sheel is the founder of two non-profit companies, consults with energy startups and venture capital firms, and has been recognized by USA Today, the Coca-Cola Company, and others.
Habibe Hakiqi, CEO Bubble Tea Mania Habibe and her partners started Bubble Tea Mania while in YEA! This business provided kits of bubble tea to local schools, and trained them on the preparation and marketing. The tea allowed the schools to make a profit. Bubble Tea Mania closed its doors shortly after the academy ended, but Habibe matriculated into the University of Rochester as a double major in Economics and Political Science. Habibe has led a distinguished college career—she was a Hajim Scholar, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and the International Economics Honor Society, and was the recipient of the Young Women of Distinction Award, among others. In 2008, Habibe was accepted into the Harvard Business School, where she plans to attend in 2010 and earn her MBA. She credits the experience of being an entrepreneur as one of the reasons that she was accepted—she even focused her essay and admissions interview on her YEA! experience.
YEA! Schedule and Class Descriptions 9/15 Monday 9/16 – 9/18 Tuesday – Thursday 9/22/14 Monday 9/29/14 Monday
By 5 PM
Applications due at the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce
6 – 9 PM
Interviews
6 - 7 PM
Parent/Student Orientation
4:30 -7:30 PM Computer Lab 6:15 -7:30 PM
10/7/14 Tuesday
4:30 - 7:30 PM Field Trip
10/11/14 Saturday
9 AM -12 PM
10/14/14 Tuesday
4:30 -7:30 PM Computer Lab 6:15 -7:30 PM
10/20/14 Monday
4:30 - 7:30 PM Computer Lab 6:15 -7:30 PM
10/27/14 Monday
4:30 -7 :30 PM Field Trip
11/3/14 Monday
4:30 -7:30 PM Computer Lab 6:15 -7:30 PM
11/10/14 Monday
4:30 – 7:30 PM
11/17/14 Monday
4:30 -7:30 PM Guest Speaker Computer Lab 6:15 - 7:30 PM
11/24/14 12/1/14 Monday
No Class 4:30 -7:30 PM Guest Speaker Computer Lab 6:15 -7:30 PM 4:30p -7:30 PM Guest Speaker Computer Lab 6:15 -7:30 PM 4:30 -7:30 PM Guest Speaker Computer Lab 6:15 -7:30 PM
12/8/14 Monday
12/15/14 Monday
Pizza Party - Introductions Entrepreneurship & Social Entrepreneurship Business Ideas vs. Business Opportunities Business Ideas: The Beginning! Business Opportunity Evaluation Business Ideas Group Formation Bagels and Juice – Ideas Generation What's the BIG Idea? Vetting Ideas Power Round Business Plan Basics Executive Summary Company Summary Product/Service Description Business Ideas Business Research Business Plan Basics Market Research SWOT Analysis Business Name Strategy & Implementation Product, Price, Place & Promotion Business Plan Basics Management Summary Present Business Names Finalize Business Ideas Business Groups Business Plan Basics Financials Economics of One Unit Monthly Sales Projections Cost of Supplies Business Research Business Plan Continuation Financials Average Monthly Operating Costs Projected Monthly/Yearly Income Statements Start Up Investment Financing Strategy Marketing/ Market Research Partnership Agreements Introduction to the Investor Panel Legal Services for Small Business Legal Structures How to Leverage Your Mentor Finalize Business Name Mentor Visit #1 Thanksgiving Break Accounting Principles Mentor Visit #2
Marketing & Communications Design Concepts Mentor Visit #3 Insurance & Risk Management Mentor Visit #4
YEA! Schedule and Class Descriptions 12/22/14
No Class
Christmas
12/29/14
No Class
Christmas
1/6/15 Tuesday
4:30 -7:30 PM Guest Speaker Computer Lab 6:15 -7:30 PM 4:30 -7:30 PM Guest Speaker Computer Lab 6:15 -7:30 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM
£-Commerce Web Concepts Mentor Visit #5
4:30 -7:30 PM Guest Speaker Computer Lab 6:15 -7:30 PM
Designations, Awards & Special Services Personal Selling & Negotiations Short Term Operating Plans Web Developer meeting Preliminary Design Work Review Final Business Plans Mentor Visit #7 Elevator Pitches Printing Preliminary Web Development Review Investor Panel Practice Investor Panel Practice Student Web Site Edits Student Introductions Mock Investor Panel Presentations
1/12/15 Monday
1/20/15 Tuesday 1/26/15 Monday
Niche Marketing Mentor Meeting #6
CEO Roundtable
2/2/15 Monday
4:30 – 7:30 PM Guest Speaker
2/9/15 Monday
4:30 – 7:30 PM
2/17/15 Tuesday 2/23/15 Monday
4:30 – 7:30 PM
3/2/15 Monday 3/9/15 3/16/15 Monday 3/17/15 Tuesday 3/23/15 Monday
4:30 – 7:30 PM
Personal Style & Presentation Training Marketing Materials Web Sites "Go Live" Investor Panel Presentation Practice
No Class 4:30 – 7:30 PM
Spring Break Investor Panel presentations - Round #1
3/30/15 Monday
4:30 – 7:30 PM Field Trip Guest Speakers 4:30 -7:30 PM Guest Speaker Computer Lab 6:15 -7:30 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM Guest Speaker Media Meet & Greet
4/6/ 15 Monday
4/13/15 Monday
4:30 – 7:30 PM Field Trip
6 – 8 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM
4/20/15 Monday
4:30 – 7:30 PM Field Trip
4/27/15
4:30 -6:30 PM
5/2/15
11:30 – 1:30 PM
5/4/15
6 – 7 PM
Investor Panel Presentations - Final Advertising Campaigns and Publicity Plans Record Keeping Investor Panel Recap County Clerk Government Resources Speaker Social Entrepreneurship File for EIN Number Press Release Review Networking Banking Continuity Plans Exit Strategies
Evaluations / Surveys Investor Reports Letters to Future YEA students Year in Review Trade Show Event Graduation
Student Application YEA! ACADEMIC YEAR The Young Entrepreneurs Academy academic year begins in September and ends in May. For the most part, classes meet at Grapevine High School every Monday from 4:30-7:30pm (with the exception of Mondays during school breaks and holiday recess).
HOW TO APPLY 1. Complete Part I and II of the application form. 2. Write your essay. 3. Request a copy of your most recent transcripts from your school. 4. Ask a teacher, guidance counselor, religious or community leader to provide a recommendation as indicated in Part IV. Recommendations should be kept confidential and mailed separately to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. 5. Mail or drop off your completed application to: YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY / GRAPEVINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ATTN: MICHAEL MIORI / 200 Vine Street East / GRAPEVINE, TX 76051 6. Attend a personal interview with YEA! Student Selection Committee members.
APPLICATION DEADLINE, PERSONAL INTERVIEWS AND ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION The application deadline is September 15, 2014. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy will grant admission to a maximum of twenty four students annually. An application is considered complete when the Young Entrepreneurs Academy has received the application form, essay, transcript, letter of recommendation and application fee. Personal interviews are mandatory for consideration for admission. Interviews will be scheduled once a completed application is received.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY TUITION YEA! Academic Year
$295
Books and supplies are included with the price of tuition.
SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships are available and will be awarded on the basis of need and merit. For information and an application, please contact RaDonna Hessel at the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce at (817) 481-1522.
CANCELLATION Parties will be responsible for any remaining tuition due. Should a student need to cancel their registration, please contact YEA! for more information at (817) 481-1522. The Grapevine Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to cancel classes in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be made.
PART 1 – STUDENT INFORMATION
Male
Female
STUDENT NAME
ADDRESS
AGE
DOB
CITY/STATE/ZIP
STUDENT’S E-MAIL ADDRESS __________________________________________ CELL NUMBER ______________________________________________________
SCHOOL
GRADE AS OF SEPTEMBER
MOTHER/GUARDIAN
HOME TELEPHONE
PLACE OF BUSINESS
FATHER/GUARDIAN
PLACE OF BUSINESS
BUSINESS PHONE
HOME TELEPHONE
BUSINESS PHONE
GRADUATION YEAR
CELL PHONE
EMAILADDRESS
CELL PHONE
EMAILADDRESS
RECOMMENDER’S NAME_____________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDER’S TELEPHONE
RECOMMENDER’S E-MAIL ADDRESS ___________________________________________________ RECOMMENDER’S AFFILIATION _____________________
How did you find out about the Young Entrepreneurs Academy?
Teacher/Educator
Mailing to home
Newspaper/radio/TV
Website
Other
EXPLAIN IF ‘OTHER:
PAYMENT INFORMATION The$10 application fee may be paid with check or credit card, and must be included with the application. DO NOT send full tuition at this time.
Type of Payment:
Check
Visa
Check Number
Amount $
Mastercard Card number
Name as it appears on card (please print)
Expiration Date Signature
Amount
If my son /daughter is accepted as a student, I agree to abide by the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce regulations and rules. I understand that a payment plan must be selected and a deposit ($10.00) received and that no deductions or refunds will be given for late cancellations or expulsion. Furthermore, I give permission for my son /daughter to attend all functions and activities connected with YEA!, including any which may be held off campus. I hereby release the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District and the officers, trustees, employees, agents, and volunteers of the aforementioned organizations for all actions, claims, or demands for damages resulting from my son/daughter’s participation in the activities, and from liability and damages, injuries, or losses which might be sustained by my child, except those caused by the direct and sole negligence of the aforementioned organizations. Both signatures are required. Signature of Parent or Guardian:
Date
Signature of Student
Date
PART II–STUDENT RESPONSE SHORT ANSWER – On a separate sheet of paper please write a brief response to two of the following questions. 1.) Why are you interested in learning about Entrepreneurship? 2.) If you are currently in the process of launching your own business or social movement, or you have a creative and innovative idea for a business or social movement, please describe. 3.) What entrepreneurial endeavor/story, either from the past or currently, inspires you? Please describe.
ESSAY QUESTION On a separate sheet of paper, please write a brief essay (approximately300words) on the following topic. You must submit this essay with your completed application to be considered for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Successful entrepreneurs share similar characteristics, such as persistence, inquisitiveness, self-confidence, tolerance for failure, creativity, innovation, personal initiative, competitiveness, commitment, and strong management and organizational skills. Describe a situation when you demonstrated at least two of these characteristics, and the outcome.
PART III–STUDENT TRANSCRIPT Your most current transcript from your school must be included with the application for minor to be considered for YEA!. Most Guidance offices will be able to help you with this.
PART IV – LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION Ask a teacher, guidance counselor, or religious or community leader to write a letter or recommendation. Your letter of recommendation should address how long the recommender has known you and in what context, your academic abilities, level of maturity, social skills, commitment to the community, and other characteristics that demonstrate you are a good candidate for the program. Letters of recommendation should remain confidential, and must arrive by the application deadline to be considered for admission. Your recommender may send the letter by mail, fax, or email to: YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY GRAPEVINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ATTN: MICHAEL MIORI 200 VINE STREET EAST GRAPEVINE, TX 76051 (817) 481-1522 (PHONE) MICHAEL@GRAPEVINECHAMBER.ORG