The Young Entrepreneurs Training Initiative (YETI) celebrated the end of its 2024 program with a pizza party.
The event was held at Pizza 249 in Strathmore, with the family and friends of the two graduates arriving to celebrate. The program lasts eight weeks and serves to aid young entrepreneurs build a startup business over the summer.
The graduates of the 2024 program were Tyson Sailer and Meleah Jean Parker, both 16 years old, who used startup cash, resources, and guidance from staff to turn their ideas into full-time money-makers. This was Sailer's second year in the program, where he worked on his yard work business.
"We do mowing, trimming, blowing leaves, raking leaves. I also have an aerator which punctures holes in the ground to help the grass grow a little better. I also do snow removal in the wintertime," said Sailer, adding that he learned a lot about marketing and building a website through the program.
"The biggest challenge is time. You can make more money, but you can't make more time."
As for Parker, she had an idea for a jewelry business that was brought to life through the YETI program.
"I started with earrings, and I just started expanding into bracelets," said Parker. "The first week is just the basics, and it kind of spread out after that, learning how to run a business."
Jean Parker said that her biggest obstacle in learning how to run her jewelry shop involved accounting and bookwork.
"I'd never really done that before," added Parker. "It was challenging to do my first market getting my name out there, but I feel like I'm in a good groove now, so I learned a lot."
All participants of the YETI program receive $500 to help start their business, with a chance of receiving another $500 at the end of the program. Students can also use the program to earn up to three high school credits.
"It's a great feeling. Everyone here cares so much about you. If you want to go with the YETI program, I really recommend it. It's a great program, with great people here. It's awesome," added Sailer.
Those interested in applying for the YETI program can learn more on the Community Futures website.
