Resources for Business-Minded Teens
There is a wealth of information on the Internet to help teens be successful in the business world. Here is a sampling of what’s out there:
DECA/Delta Epsilon Chi www.deca.org/hsd.html. This international association helps teens studying marketing, management and entrepreneurship. The site has updates on conferences, scholarship opportunities and college programs.
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. www.kauffman.org. Here you’ll find resources and programs for youth. You can sign up for the free, monthly e-newsletter.
Gen-X Idea Café. www.businessownersideacafe.com/genx. Laid out in a hip format, Gen-X Idea Café provides nuts and bolts ideas mixed with inspirational profiles.
Ideas for Young Entrepreneurs Blog. www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog. You’ll get lots of information here mixed with personal experiences and frequently updated advice. You can join the conversation on Twitter, too.
Independent Means, Inc. www.independentmeans.com. This organization runs financial literacy programs and Camp Start-Up, and it sponsors an annual business competition for youth.
Junior Achievement. www.ja.org. The oldest and largest organization devoted to work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy for young people. JA inspires youth to dream big and reach their potential.
Mind Your Own Business. www.mindyourownbiz.org. This site, created by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Junior Achievement, walks you through the five steps of business ownership: Explore, Decide, Build, Connect, Succeed.
Renegade CEO’s. www.entrepreneurblog.com. An online community, Renegade CEO’s highlights products, people and services to help teens thrive in a “global living laboratory.”
SBA’s Teen Business. www.sba.gov/teens. You can get a wealth of information here on everything from starting a business to money smarts to avoiding legal hassles. The site also allows you to meet other young entrepreneurs virtually.
Streaming Futures. www. www.nnkol.org. This site features more than 90 streaming video interviews with professionals from a myriad of different industries, providing insights into their career paths.
The Mint: Be Your Own Boss. www.themint.org/teens/index. Here, you’ll find on-target information, interactive quizzes and guides to money management.
YoungBiz.com. www.youngbiz.com. YoungBiz.com provides both inspirational stories and savvy, how-to advice.
Young Entrepreneur Foundation. www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog. The mission of this organization is to give young people business and financial skills through innovative education and real-world experience.