Rising CEOs

PROGRAM VISION

Foster entrepreneurial spirit, technology, and leadership skills among at-risk young black and brown girls and boys, between the ages of 14 to 19 years. This program is designed to create opportunities for teens in at-risk populations in black and brown, immigrant and refugee communities to inspire and feed the pipeline of future minority entrepreneurs. We aim to reframe their vision of a future away from crimes, gangs activity, and drugs. This program is a pathway to helping young people envision how they can achieve a positive and prosperous life by investing in themselves and their business ideas.

In the ten-week program, participants will participate in workshops lead by local business leaders paired up with a K-12 teacher, create a business plan, and compete in a business pitch competition to win funding of $500 for their idea. The culmination of the program will be the annual Rising CEOs Summit. The program intends to equip participants with a business plan, connections to mentors, access to funding and hone leadership skills. Local business owners of diverse backgrounds will provide mentoring through this program. Upon completion of the program the participants will be empowered and equipped with resources in the areas of business, social capital, and leadership.