MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – A new summer bootcamp seeks to plant seeds for youth entrepreneurship and cultivate a positive mindset to propel participants toward setting and reaching personal goals.
The Buddingpreneur Bootcamp will explore all aspects of entrepreneurship for two weeks beginning Monday July 14. Participants will meet from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday at the Buddingpreneur Center, 1919 U.S. Highway 20. Youth ages 7 to 17 are welcome to attend at no cost with separate camp sessions organized by ages: 7-13 and 14-17.
Antonio Conley, founder of the Kidpreneur Program and bootcamp, believes exposure to an entrepreneurial mindset is a platform for self-confidence and skills development.
“I hope camp participants are exposed to the atmosphere that’s needed to help them succeed, believe in themselves, and most importantly, open their minds to the possibilities of accomplishing whatever you put your mind to,” Conley said.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Summer Bootcamp unites the Kidpreneur program and and the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City through the Vibrant Michigan City initiative.
“Engaging youth in entrepreneurship and community activities is a component of the Vibrant Michigan City plan,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “By introducing youth to the concept of entrepreneurship as well as the elements of that role, we are helping open doors for our youth and encouraging additional career pathways.”
The camp utilizes activities, conversations, field trips, resources and tools to showcase the entrepreneurial process. Topics for ages 7-13 include: creating a vision board, financing, pitching your business, having confidence in your ideas, marketing and social media and designing flyers, posters and business cards. Topics for ages 14-17 include: discovering your passion, identifying target markets, using Canva for design, budgeting, leadership styles and business structures. All participants will be exposed to mentorship and real-world examples of entrepreneurship as well as wrap up their experience with a marketplace, expo event and celebration.
“Youth entrepreneurship is very important to our community. Many kids haven’t been exposed to the role of entrepreneur,” Conley said. “They don’t understand how the ideas that they sit and daydream about daily can truly become reality. Our community leaders need to ensure youth are given the exposure to the concept and resources to work toward their goals.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available to support the summer bootcamp. Contact Conley for more information at conleyantonio433@gmail.com or 219-210-1863.
Youth wanting to participate in the camp can also connect with Conley or sign up online.