News Release Archive
News Releases Index FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. COC-09-001-JMU
July 3, 2008 Young Entrepreneur Program Offered this Summer Young people who aspire to one day start their own business, or see an existing enterprise grow, are encouraged to take part in the Young Entrepreneurs Program being offered this summer at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by College of the Canyons. The Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP) is a free, four-week-long course designed for young people ages 14 to 27. Classes meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the COC Valencia Campus, room X-8, on Saturday mornings from July 12 to August 2. “There are many young people in our community with dreams of pursuing their passions through business endeavors,” said Paul De La Cerda, Director of the COC Small Business Development Center. “But all too often these budding entrepreneurs have no guidance or knowledge about how to get started. So we launched a special program specifically for them. Through a variety of creative partnerships with local business owners the YEP will offer students free business counseling, while implementing business training programs in the areas of management, finance, marketing, sales and eCommerce by using a variety of outreach and delivery methods -- including websites, blogs, social networking sites, virtual reality games, youth-oriented trainers and business simulation products In addition YEP participants will be partnered with a local business to brainstorm and create a new commercial product and accompanying business model -- which will then be entered into a region wide business plan competition “This new program will aid participants in the development and operation of part time businesses -- which could eventually lead to full time operational status -- all while they complete their junior high, high school or college education,” said Bruce Getzan, COC Dean of Economic Development. The Young Entrepreneurs Program is free of charge, however space is limited. The deadline for students to register is Friday July 11, 2008. For more information about this summer’s Young Entrepreneurs Program, or to register please call (661) 294-9375 or email sbdc@canyons.edu. | 
