Jackson County's Promise will be hosting a free summer youth Entrepreneur Workshop for Youth ages 13 through 18. Starting June 23.

This six week program will show you the ins and outs of going into business for yourself as well as some hands on experience.

The first two weeks (June 23 through July 3) will be afternoon sessions from 1 to 4 p.m. at Southwest Technology Center room 123, in Altus. The sessions will include speakers from local businesses who will be discussing their areas of specialties and experiences in business matters. The topics will include: Business Ethics, Small Business Record keeping and Accounting, Insurance, Legal issues, Marketing and Advertising, Business Problems, Communication Skills, Customer Service and many others. During the next four weeks of non-class time, the youth will have an opportunity to implement the knowledge they have acquired. During the time of establishing their own business venture, local businessman and women serving as mentors will be available for advice.

The business ventures can include, but are not limited to; Auto Detailing; Cleaning Services; Curb Painting; Landscaping; Lawn Care; Pet Walking Services; and Window Washing. This Workshop will help youth gain the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship through practical, innovative, and fun experiences. They will learn the basic skills required by entrepreneurs and are helped to understand the relationship between academic subjects and “the world of entrepreneurship.” Students will have the opportunity of meeting local entrepreneurs in person and getting the benefit of their profit and advice. Except for weekly contact with Mentors, the youth will be on their own during the four week period of non- class time. The youth will have to be self motivated. Because this will be challenging for the youth. we ask that parents also commit themselves to the project by supporting their youth in endeavoring to establish their business venture.

Class space is limited. Please register as soon as possible by calling Southwest Community Action's RSVP office at 482-4141. Summer Youth Entrepreneur Camp is sponsored by Communities of Promise and RSVP under the Southwest Community Action Group, lnc. Communities of Promise seeks to collaborate partnering agencies to provide five promises for our youth: (1) Caring Adults, (2) Safe Places, (3) A Healthy Start, (4) Marketable Skills, and (5) Opportunities to Serve.