This past spring AZYouthforce, a program of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, piloted a six-week learn-to-earn entrepreneurship program using the Lean Canvas model created by Eric Rise. Interns implemented their business ideas into the lean canvas model, attended tours of small businesses such as AZ Fair Trade, and were mentored by small business owners, volunteers, and community members. After six weeks, interns pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges to win $2,500 in seed money to invest their business. The decision was tough, and the judges selected Brooklyn A., a junior at Highland High School, as the winner. Brooklyn’s business idea, Kano, means “I am doing,” is to start an e-commerce and social media site for youth to sell their products to earn money. In addition, the judges also awarded Nadia V. and Manasvi J. $1,250 each to go towards their business ideas.
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