I’ve been a business owner for seventeen years and grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. And, like most successful people I know, some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about business – confidence, resilience, being your own biggest cheerleader – wasn’t picked up in a classroom.
I learned them by watching and doing – and yes, by making mistakes! I’ve been privileged to be surrounded by people who believed that my ideas were worth pursuing and that the only way to know if something works is to give it a go.
I’m very aware of this privilege, and I know all too well that not everyone has this support, which is why YESS is so important.
Young Entrepreneur Smart Start is a free business and life skills program for young people aged 12-22. It’s practical, structured and goes well beyond anything most young people encounter in traditional education.
Across four modules, participants explore their own potential, develop a business idea, build a marketing plan and learn about creating personal wealth. They leave with a vision board, a business plan, a marketing plan and a pitch. Incredible, real work they’ve produced themselves!
Whilst it looks great on a CV, it’s instilling something even more valuable: a belief that their ideas are worth something and entrepreneurship is an option available to them.
When I heard that YESS was coming to Aberdeen, it felt like an easy decision. Not just because the program is excellent (it is!) but because I whole heartedly believe in investing in the next generation of young people, encouraging them to think differently, believe in what might be possible and giving them the confidence to grow.
My own daughter is 14 and she’s at that age where the world feels huge – full of possibility…and pressure. She’s joining the next cohort and I cannot wait to see where this takes her.
Whether you know a young person aged 12-22, you’re a parent, teacher or business that believes in investing in the next generation, I’d encourage you to look into YESS. The program is free for students and relies on securing partnerships to create such a huge impact.
If you’re a business with capacity to host, talk or sponsor – please go for it!
