about the academy
Jump-Start Your Entrepreneurial Journey
The ECRA Youth Entrepreneurship Academy is a four-week educational program that takes students in grades six through twelve through the process of starting and running real businesses over the course of four weekly sessions.
Participants are guided through each step of starting an enterprise, from brainstorming the idea to pitching their business plan in close cooperation with entrepreneurs, local leaders, and educators to develop ideas and objectives, write business plans, pitch a business concept, develop their businesses brand identity, and much more!
You'll have the opportunity to:
• Turn your passions and talents into a real business
• Learn from entrepreneurs
• Perfect Your Elevator Pitch
• Develop Your Brand and Marketing Strategy by Creating a Company Logo and Website
• Meet & Greet with Members of the Media
• Learn To Manage Business Expenses and Income
• Learn About Different Types of Business Structures
• Meet a Social Entrepreneur
• Write a business plan
• Learn About Franchises
• Compete for Scholarships and Prizes at the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy Close-out Session
• Sell Your Products at a Trade Show
• Meet Other Awesome Entrepreneurs and Network
activities include:
upcoming session
ECRA Youth Entrepreneurship Academy
Sessions will begin the first Saturday throughout the month of May, for three hours weekly on Saturdays from 12 noon- 3 pm (with the exception of during school breaks and holiday recess).
Applications will be accepted from students ages 11 to 18 and in grades 6-12. Students are taught by an instructor online but are exposed to guest lecturers, successful entrepreneurs, and business mentors.
Spring Session 2023
Applications are due by April 15, 2023
Total Registration Slots Available: 30
ALL WORKSHOPS ARE VIRTUAL
hands-on materials
Student Workbook from the Youth Entrepreneurship Curriculum
Cultivate youth entrepreneurs with this step-by-step, fill-in-the-blank, fun and engaging workbook with over 10 pages of action-packed exploration!
Write Your Business Plan
Students learn how to realize the business ideas or the passion in their hearts that can translate into a profitable enterprise. Workshop instructors, local successful business leaders, and entrepreneurs will provide training on how to craft a comprehensive business plan. Student teams will write business plans and learn best business practices and strategies for starting a business.
join the academy!
APPLY
Start as a student, finish as a CEO!
Students ages 11 to 18 and in grades six through twelve are eligible to apply. This program offers students the chance to:
- Develop hands-on entrepreneurial experience to launch their own business enterprise
- Connect with local entrepreneurs
- Pitch to a panel of investors for startup funding
- Gain confidence in their ideas, abilities, and presentation skills
Hey, entrepreneurs. GET INVOLVED!
Share your business wisdom with aspiring young entrepreneurs and help them get started on the path to success! We’re seeking expert professionals to volunteer their time as guest speakers, mentors, investors, graphic designers, field trip hosts, business plan reviewers, and more.
The time ECRA Youth Entrepreneurship Academy participants spend with adults who encourage their futures is invaluable, and you can play an important role in guiding our future leaders.
If you are interested in getting involved with the ECRA Youth Entrepreneurship Academy and being inspired by your community’s promising future leaders, contact info@ericaaustin.com
PURCHASE NOW!
Author Dr. Erica Austin writes a thoughtful new book that aims to provide a set of foundational principles, including discovering your passion, pushing past self-imposed limits, and achieving your dreams! Click the link below to order your copy today!