Greater Macon

Chamber of Commerce
305 Coliseum Dr, Macon, GA 31217
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Young Entrepreneurs Academy

Year two of Macon's Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) program is underway!

Applications for the 2018-2019 program will be available in the Spring of 2018.

Check out the YEA! Macon Overview Video by clicking below!

BACKGROUND


In 2016, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce launched the first Georgia-based Young Entrepreneurs Academy program in Macon-Bibb County, with support from local community sponsors, as well as with the help of local partners: Mercer University, Bibb County School District and SparkMacon.

Over the course of the program, students learn how to:

  • Brainstorm business ideas
  • Write a business plan
  • Interact with business professionals
  • Pitch their business plan to potential “investors” (think “Shark Tank”!)
  • Obtain funding
  • Legally register their businesses
  • Participate in a Trade Show
  • Actually launch their own businesses or social movements

Click here to view a YEA! Macon Presentation about the program.

EVENTS & PHOTOS

YEA! Macon 2018 Special Events
  • Investor Panel: April 7, 2018, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Mercer Innovation Center
  • Graduation: May 22, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., Mercer Innovation Center
  • Trade Show: June 1, 2018, 5 – 8 p.m., Downtown Macon
YEA! Macon 2018 Event Photos YEA! Macon 2017 Event Photos

APPLICATION PROCESS


How Do I Apply?

Applications will be posted for the 2018-2019 YEA! Macon program in the Spring of 2018.

Once the completed application is received, students and parents will be invited to attend an in-person interview. Acceptance into the program is based on all aspects of the completed application, as well as the personal interview.

How Much Does The Program Cost?

Tuition for the program is $695 per student, and there is limited need-based financial assistance.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT


There are many opportunities for local community and business leaders to help guide these future CEOs, including being a guest speaker, field trip host and mentor.

Click here to view a list of Community Volunteer Opportunities.

MORE INFORMATION


Contact Nadia Osman:
Workforce and Business Development Manager / YEA! & YPN Director 
Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce
nosman@maconchamber.com | 478.621.2026

  

OVERVIEW

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a groundbreaking and cutting-edge program that takes students in middle and high school, ages 11 to 18, through the process of starting and launching a real business or social movement over the course of an academic year.

Throughout the class, students develop business ideas, write business plans, pitch their plans to a panel of investors for real funding, then launch and run their own real, fully-formed companies.

Complete with dynamic guest speakers from the local business community and exciting behind-the-scenes field trips to local companies, the fun, project-based YEA! approach empowers students to take charge of their futures in a profound way.

Click here to view the YEA! National website.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

  • Develops educated, motivated workforce and the next generation of CEOs
  • Generates excitement in the community
  • Creates professional networks for students
  • Connects students and business professionals
  • Connects educators and administrators with business professionals
  • A fun and unique opportunity for business professionals to mentor youth
  • Fosters business and job creation in the area



YEA! Macon 2017-18 Class


YEA! Macon 2018 Investor Panel Winners


YEA! Macon Inaugural Class


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