Join us at our 2024 Youth Business Conference!

On Friday, July 12th, YEI will host an entrepreneurship conference for  teens to explore the creative economy through a series of engaging and informative workshops, covering topics from financial literacy and art to the very essence of entrepreneurship itself. 
 

Following the event,  aspiring teen entrepreneurs from our MBSYEP Summer 2024 Internship program will pitch, launch, and test business ideas created for a chance to win up to $1,000 business start-up funds from 2K Foundations  (creators of Take-Two Games) and Kimsey Foundation (founded by the creator of AOL). 

 

The Pitch Competition will feature Ariel Atkins, WNBA player, Olympic  Gold Medalist and Entrepreneur as a special guest judge. 

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Discover

Participate in engaging workshops.
12:30-3:30 PM

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Pitch

Youth Business Pitch Competition
3:45-6:15 PM

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Connect

Student Marketplace and Networking
6:15-6:45 PM

Enjoy the entire program or attend the parts that interest you most.

Shape

Discover

Participate in engaging workshops.

Dive into a series of engaging and informative workshops designed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within teens. Each session equips participants with the skills and knowledge to turn their creative ideas into viable business ventures.

Copy-Cat Proof Fashion

Trademark Essentials for Designers & Artists

Worried about others copying your awesome fashion designs? Join us for this workshop to learn how to protect your unique creations using trademarks. The United States Patent & Trademark Office will break down the basics of trademarks and show you how to keep your designs safe from copycats. You'll leave knowing how to secure your brand and make sure your style stays uniquely yours.
Available Session #1

SLAY

Personal Branding

Uncover soft skills crucial for entrepreneurial success. From personal branding to creating your own personal tagline, learn what it takes to present yourself as a confident entrepreneur. You will also have an opportunity to take professional headshots.
Available Session #1

How Much A Dollar Cost

0 to a Milli, Real Quick

Explore the value of money beyond immediate gratification with Mr. Furad Tate. Learn smart spending habits, the secrets behind the food brands you love, and how to manage your finances effectively.
Available Session #1

Pick up lines

Mini Elevator Pitch

Challenge your creativity and teamwork skills by developing a product or service idea that solves a real-world problem. You will work with a group of other teens and name your company, craft a mini elevator pitch, and present your group concept for a chance to win cash prizes.
Available Session #1

Master Your cashflow

Learn to Invest and Build Wealth

Participants will dive into the exciting world of personal finance and investing using the Cash Flow game. This workshop offers a hands-on approach to understanding how money works in the real world and opportunities to win cash prize$!
Available Session #1

The Art of Fashion

Designing Your Own Apparel

Learn about graphic design and how to design and print your own apparel. You will leave this workshop with your own custom designed tshirt to take home.
Available Both Sessions

The Power of theater arts

Power of Theater Arts

Join Children‘s Legacy Theater in a fun interactive theatre arts workshop that uses theatre games to demonstrate the power of theater to connect young people to their inner voice, develop leadership skills, motivate teens to civic engagement, and more.
Available Both Sessions

Crafting a Viable business budget

Creating and Managing a Budget

Understanding the financial backbone of your business is crucial for success, and this workshop will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to build a strong financial foundation.
Available Both Sessions

Mad Scientist

Your First Cosmetic Creation

Have fun learning how to mix your first cosmetic product. This workshop takes you through the basics of combining science and beauty. You will leave this workshop with your own custom candle and beauty product.
Available Both Sessions

STEAM Workshop

Coming Soon

Description Coming Soon
Available Both Sessions

Deal or no deal

Dive into your SWOT analysis to discover your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Learn about different leadership styles and identify the types of organizations you could run best. Use this self-awareness to master presenting yourself and your organization to potential investors. Evaluate investor-presented deals and hone your negotiation tactics.
Available Both Sessions

The Teen New Deal

Youth Advocacy

The TEEN New Deal workshop by Gerald Norde offers youth incentive$ to compete against one another in small groups as they guess the 12-steps of the TEEN New Deal and learn about youth advocacy for student pay, student government, and student media.
Available Session #2

Meet a Mentor Townhall

Speed Networking

Have burning questions for a successful artist, engineer, DJ, CEO, or even a local celebrity like WNBA player Ariel Atkins? Engage in meaningful discussions and gain insights from industry professionals.
Available Session #2

Investing Your Way to $25K

$,$,$ Honey

Youth learn how to turn a day's salary from MBSYEP into a stepping stone towards financial growth. Highlighting popular companies like Roblox, we'll explore how stocks grow over time and how even small investments can contribute to a larger dream, and begin their journey towards financial independence.
Available Session #2

E-Commerce Launchpad, Your First Online Store

Build Your Own Website with WordPress

Start your journey into selling online with this workshop designed for beginners. Learn the basics of setting up an online store, managing sales, all in a few simple steps. This workshop is designed for beginners with no prior programming experience. You'll gain practical skills through a step-by-step process, without any costs and much more.
Available Session #2

Design Thinking, Thinking Outside the Box

Crafting Earrings with Design Thinking

Unlock the potential of laser cutting technology in this hands-on workshop designed for creative minds eager to explore the fusion of art and technology. This session not only introduces the fundamentals of design thinking but also guides you through the practical application of these concepts to create stylish and unique earrings.
Available Session #2
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Pitch

Witness the creativity and hard work as teens from our MBSYEP Summer Internship program pitch their business ideas for a chance to win startup funds.

Hear their pitches

3:45 pm – 6:15 pm
Following the KidBizCON workshops,  teens from our MBSYEP Summer Internship program will pitch, launch, and test business ideas created for a chance to win up to $1,000 business start-up funds.

Shop their businesses and network

6:15 pm – 6:45 pm
Our teens’ products include:
👕 customized clothing, 🧼 cosmetic and beauty products, 🎨 hand drawn art, and much more! All profits from purchases go directly to the young entrepreneurs and the causes they support. Enjoy free shipping, too!

See who becomes Top Winners

6:45 pm 
Join us at the awards ceremony, where our judges award cash and business  prizes ranging from $250-$1,000. You’ll get to pick the $150 People’s Choice winner!

Thank you to our event partners and sponsors!

Become an official KidBizCON sponsor with one of our tax-deductible corporate sponsorship packages.

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FAQ's

Can I change my workshop selections on the day of the event? We encourage participants to stick to their pre-selected workshops as space and materials are planned based on registrations. However, if there is availability and it does not disrupt the session’s capacity, changes may be accommodated. Please check with the registration desk on the day of the event for assistance.

What are the hours of the event? KidBizCon 2024 will take place on July 12th from 12:15 PM to 7:00 PM. Doors opens at 11:30 AM, and we recommend arriving early to check in and find your first session without rush.

What workshops will be held? Workshops include topics like financial literacy, e-commerce, trademark essentials, and more. A full list will be available on our website.

How will I know where to go for each workshop? Will there be signage? Yes, the venue will be well-signposted, and we will provide maps on the day of the event. Volunteers will also be on hand to guide you.

Do I need to pack/bring lunch? No, lunch will be provided for all participants. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.

When and where is KidBizCON 2024 taking place? KidBizCON 2024 will be held on July 12th at Bard Early College.

Is there an expected dress code? The dress code is casual. Feel comfortable but avoid inappropriate attire. Avoid:

  • Clothing that features explicit graphics, profanity, or messages that could be considered offensive.
  • Overly revealing attire such as tank tops, crop tops, or short shorts.
  • Extremely ripped or tattered clothing.
  • Hats or headgear that obscures the face (except for religious or health-related reasons).

What safety measures will be in place for my student during this conference? Safety is our top priority. We will ensure that all session areas are monitored, and security will be onsite.

Will I be able to park on site/where should I park? Yes, there is parking available on site. We are proud to be headquartered inside of Bard High School in the Ward 8 Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. If you are traveling by car, you can park in the school’s lot located at the intersection of Alabama Avenue and Congress Street. As the event approaches, we will provide a map and further parking details to assist you.

For those using public transportation, Bard High School is conveniently located directly across the street from the Congress Heights Metro Station on the Green Line, which is approximately a 1-minute walk (0.05 miles) from the school. Once you arrive and check in at the security desk, you will be escorted to a YEI staff member who will guide you further.

How do I register my student? Registration can be completed online via our website,youthentrepreneurinstitute.org/kidbizcon. Simply fill out the registration form and submit it before the deadline.

What is the registration deadline? The registration deadline is July  11, 2024.

Can I register my student on-site? Due to planning and materials requirements, on-site registration will not be available.

Will there be an area for parents? This year, while we are unable to accommodate parents during the workshop portion of the event, we warmly invite parents to join us for the business pitch competition. This exciting portion of our event starts at 3:45 PM, where you can witness young entrepreneurs pitch their innovative ideas. Please return at this time to support and enjoy the presentations.

What time should I pick up my student? The conference concludes around 6:45 PM. Please plan to pick up your student at that time.

Where can I follow Youth Entrepreneur Institute and KidBizCON online? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @yeidc202 for updates and highlights from our programs.

Do you have events all year long? Yes, we host a variety of events throughout the year. Check our website or social media for the latest schedule.

Workshop Facilitators:

What time should I arrive? Please arrive by 11:00 AM for a briefing and to set up your workshop space.

What technology will be included in the classrooms? What will I need to provide myself? Each classroom will be equipped with a Smartboard and Wi-Fi. Please bring any specific equipment or materials you need for your workshop.

Can I record my session? Yes, you are welcome to record your session. We encourage you to share your experiences on social media! When posting, please ensure to tag our official accounts and use our event-specific hashtags: #KidBizCon and #YEIDC202. Additionally, we request that you mention or credit Youth Entrepreneur Institute explicitly in any content you share to properly highlight the event and our organization. This helps us maintain visibility and promote the great work being done at our events.

Volunteer Information:

How can I volunteer at KidBizCon? Volunteering at KidBizCon is a great way to contribute to the success of our event while gaining valuable experience in event management and youth entrepreneurship. Volunteers help with everything from setting up workshop areas to assisting in managing the flow of participants and providing information. To volunteer, please visit https://dash.pointapp.org/events/141118.

What are the responsibilities of volunteers? Volunteers at KidBizCon play a crucial role in ensuring the event runs smoothly. Responsibilities may include:

  • Assisting in setting up and breaking down event spaces.
  • Helping workshop facilitators manage their sessions.
  • Guiding participants to various locations around the venue.
  • Providing information and answering questions from attendees.
  • Assisting with registration and check-in processes. Each volunteer role is designed to support the event and enhance the experience for all attendees.

Partners/Sponsors:

How can I get involved with KidBizCON as a workshop presenter? If you are interested in sharing your expertise by presenting a workshop at KidBizCon, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us by emailing kidbizcon@yeidc.org.  Include a brief overview of your workshop topic and how it aligns with the themes of entrepreneurship, creative arts or innovation. Our team will get back to you with the next steps.

Who do I speak to about sponsorship opportunities? For sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to our Sponsorship Director at tcrump@yeidc.org. We offer a variety of sponsorship packages designed to provide visibility and value to our partners, and we can tailor a package to meet your organization’s goals.

We are especially interested in forming partnerships with banks, financial and investment firms, media sponsors, and companies that can offer pro bono food sponsorship. Please include your company’s name, the type of sponsorship you’re interested in, and any specific goals you have in mind. We look forward to partnering with you to make KidBizCon a success!

What’s the mission? And who do you serve? Our mission is to inspire and equip young people with the skills and mindset to pursue entrepreneurship, art and steam career pathways as a means to achieve economic independence. We primarily serve students aged 13-18, empowering them with practical business and financial knowledge.

How do you carry out your mission? We deliver on our mission through a variety of programs including workshops, seminars, mentorship sessions, and hands-on business experience through events like KidBizCON.

How long has this organization been around? Youth Entrepreneur Institute was founded in 2015, nearly a decade of service towards fostering youth entrepreneurs.

What programs do you have for students? We offer a range of programs including summer business and art camps, year-round internships, mentorship programs, and our annual KidBizCON event, all designed to enhance entrepreneurial mindset and steam skillsets.

Support youth entrepreneurs and their businesses

Give a tax-deductible donation to  help us provide business supplies and cover start-up cost for deserving teen businesses.