PHOENIX, Ariz. (August 28, 2023) – For Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (BGCAZ) AZYouthforce teen intern Noah P., an entrepreneurial dream is becoming reality. Noah, a senior at Canyon View High School, pitched his idea for a new business to become the newest Bayless Entrepreneurship Program winner.
This is the fourth cohort of the Bayless Entrepreneurship Program. Noah now joins three other teen businesses in earning a $2,500 investment from local entrepreneur Justin Bayless. The funds help the teen entrepreneurs start their businesses.
“Noah’s innovative approach to bring music education to all regardless of location and income levels, is the essence of what this seed grant is about,” said Justin Bayless. “This seed grant was created to inspire the next generation to dream big and allow them the chance and resources to bring cutting-edge ideas to life,” Justin Bayless, Founder and Operating Partner, The Journey Venture Studio.
Noah’s business was chosen for investment after he and four other teens pitched their ideas to three judges, including Bayless. To prepare for their pitch, the Bayless Entrepreneurship Program is an eight-week training program in which teens work one-on-one with business mentors to develop a business plan and marketing strategy while conducting market and economic research to inform their ideas.
The judges for the summer cohort’s pitch presentations were:
- Justin Bayless, Founder and Operating Partner, The Journey Venture Studio
- Andy Lombard, President & CEO, Venture Capital Investor @ AVC
- Mark Moremans, Managing Director, The Journey Venture Studio
Born from a $500,000 donation from Bayless last year, this AZYouthforce program equips teens with the tools and resources to become successful small business owners. It sets teens who may come from under-resourced communities on a path to success by teaching them essential business skills, harnessing their entrepreneurial creativity, and helping them transform their ideas into bonafide businesses. They also develop a personal network by working with local business leaders on their plans.
Noah’s idea centers on bridging access to music education by providing affordable and flexible lessons in piano and guitar, custom-designed to fit each student’s learning goals. He also seeks to offer affordable instrument rentals to ensure financial status is not a barrier to individuals who want to learn an instrument, with intent to expand lessons to an online format to bring accessible music education to a broader audience.
“Too many American children don’t have access to music education, which is an outlet where they can express themselves, de-stress, or form strong community bonds,” said Noah. “Imagine your favorite outlet as a kid being limited by your parents’ income, or where you live. To have a creative seed never be planted is a failure.”
Noah’s win marks the end of the fourth Bayless Entrepreneurship Program cycle. The fifth will begin in the spring. Applications for the next cohort will open at www.azyouthforce.org.
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