Saint Paul – Youth Entrepreneurial Capital of the World
Summary:
With a million dollars we can establish Saint Paul as the youth entrepreneurial capital of the world. This idea originates from the experience of NexGen a group of minority youth entrepreneurs based out of Golden Thyme Café on Selby Avenue in Saint Paul. Key values of this group are self-reliance, innovation and community. The youth funded their business venture mostly from their own resources and gave back to each other and the community at the end of the venture. They also made a commitment to be successful academically. They are mentored by adults. Current plans of NexGen is to establish a youth business incubator at Golden Thyme restaurant and offer a space for minority youth entrepreneurs in the Avenue of Entrepreneurship at the Selby Jazz Festival in the Fall of 2013.
With a million dollars we propose to establish three nodal points for youth entrepreneurs in Saint Paul. The Selby Node of NexGen will continue to focus on minority youth. The two other nodes – one on Payne Avenue and the other in District Del Sol will be open to any youth entrepreneur.
Each node will have the following elements:
• A business incubator – a place where youth can showcase or work on their product or meet clients.
• An innovation center – a place where youth can play around with materials like the 3 M Innovation Center to spur creativity and new ideas and models. Ideally this will have equipment or access to a 3 D printer.
• A networking/meeting/training space – which will also serve as a space where tutors can help entrepreneurs struggling with their academic classes.
About You
About You
First Name
Bruce
Last Name
Corrie
City
Saint Paul
County
Ramsey
Country
United States, MN
Website (if you have one)
Names of others who helped contribute to my idea
Janet Williams, Mychael Wright, Kayla Williams, Isaac Johnson, Shalesa Johnson, Robert Caldwell, Cristina Corrie, Sean Corrie Mi
How did you hear about the Forever Saint Paul Challenge?
Community Network
About Your Organization (if applicable)
Organization Name (if applicable)
NexGen
Organization Website
Organization Phone
651 641 8226
Organization Address
792 Parkview Avenue
City
Saint Paul
Organization Country
United States, MN, Ramsey County
Your idea
Title of your idea
Saint Paul – Youth Entrepreneurial Capital of the World
Give us the highlights of your idea for making Saint Paul great (2,000 characters maximum or approx. 250 words)
With a million dollars we can establish Saint Paul as the youth entrepreneurial capital of the world. This idea originates from the experience of NexGen a group of minority youth entrepreneurs based out of Golden Thyme Café on Selby Avenue in Saint Paul. Key values of this group are self-reliance, innovation and community. The youth funded their business venture mostly from their own resources and gave back to each other and the community at the end of the venture. They also made a commitment to be successful academically. They are mentored by adults. Current plans of NexGen is to establish a youth business incubator at Golden Thyme restaurant and offer a space for minority youth entrepreneurs in the Avenue of Entrepreneurship at the Selby Jazz Festival in the Fall of 2013.
With a million dollars we propose to establish three nodal points for youth entrepreneurs in Saint Paul. The Selby Node of NexGen will continue to focus on minority youth. The two other nodes – one on Payne Avenue and the other in District Del Sol will be open to any youth entrepreneur.
Each node will have the following elements:
• A business incubator – a place where youth can showcase or work on their product or meet clients.
• An innovation center – a place where youth can play around with materials like the 3 M Innovation Center to spur creativity and new ideas and models. Ideally this will have equipment or access to a 3 D printer.
• A networking/meeting/training space – which will also serve as a space where tutors can help entrepreneurs struggling with their academic classes.
Website address (if applicable)
Innovation
What makes your idea different or unexpected? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
There is not much focus on youth entrepreneurship in Minnesota, especially minority youth entrepreneurship: A significant fact given the high teen unemployment in minority communities.
At the same time minority firms are growing faster than other firms and so this is an opportunity to build the next generation and at the same time allow them entry points into new technological areas that they could break through much easier than older pathways controlled by the “old money.” The idea originated in minority communities and is now expanding to embrace all communities. At the same time the nodal points are located where minority and low income youth will have easier access to the resources
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
How will your idea make a difference in Saint Paul? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
Saint Paul will be known the world over as the place for successful youth entrepreneurs.
Sustainability
Why do you think people will recognize or remember your idea after it comes to life? How might it inspire others to do something similar in their community? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
When people meet these successful entrepreneurs they will celebrate the spirit of Saint Paul that made this happen. This idea will catch on very rapidly. There are other groups like Junior High or school programs but they are not based in the community. Youth play a key leadership role in NexGen. Current youth range from 10 years to 18 years.
 | jandayangacho2013 jandayangacho2013 said: Business also needs strategy and planning to make it work. - Paul Kadri about this Competition Entry. - 2579 days ago read more > |
 | Bruce Corrie updated this Competition Entry. - 2846 days ago |
 | Bruce Corrie submitted this idea. - 2846 days ago |
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