Entrepreneurial Youth Camp Completes 6th Year of Preparing Local Kids With Business Planning

Aug. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- The Latino Entrepreneurial Network (LEN) recently completed the sixth annual summer camp to assist local young adults in starting their own business.  This Bilingual Entrepreneurship Summer Training (BEST) Youth Camp was conducted from June 21 to the 25 and brought young talent together to participate in an advanced business training experience.

This program helped 24 local young adults, between the ages of 9 and 17, as they participated at the Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute (MEI) located on Milwaukee’s south side on W. National Ave.  Additionally, over 15 professional entrepreneurs serve as speakers, mentors and judges.  All participants enjoyed educational and learning opportunities presented by MEI, State Farm, American Family, Murdelak Design, Financial Medical Management, US Bank, and Castillo Consulting Services.

Participants developed a business plan and presentation while interacting with entrepreneurs, engineers, bankers, insurance agents, real estate brokers and other professionals. The young adults also had counselors available to assist with the creation of the business plans and presentations.  

Nelson Soler, founder of LEN and MEI president said, “This program trains our young adults at a young age how to successfully start a business.  These young adults are given the knowledge that has taken other entrepreneurs many years to learn.  Regardless of English proficiency, LEN has again focused its efforts in assisting these young microenterprises, and future business owners, to develop strategies that can turn their aspirations into profitable enterprises”.

The BEST Camp formed two groups of young adults; one group with ages from 9-13 and the another 14-17. At the end of the week, participants presented their business idea to a panel of bankers, and business professionals, who selected the top three presenters from each group. All winners will received scholarships, prizes and/or internship opportunities.

Volunteer speaker and coach Christopher Castillo, owner of Castillo Consulting Services, CEO of Aeutus Marketing and LEN founding board member, stated “This program directly effects our community’s youth by preparing them to become business owners, job creators and tax payers as they are the lifeblood of our community.  They learn that the American Dream can be a reality and someday can become a successful business owner.  Had I had this training when I was their age, I may have become an entrepreneur earlier in life”.

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LEN’s mission is to bridge individuals, entrepreneurs and microenterprises with resources through strategic alliance formation, networking and sharing of business and financial practices. All members take a pledge to uphold the organization’s values of acting with integrity, maintaining high ethics, sharing knowledge, investing in our community and fostering professionalism.  

The Latino Entrepreneurial Network of Southeastern Wisconsin, Incorporated (LEN) was recently awarded the 2010 Best Small Chamber in the United States and the 2008-2009 Best Small Chamber of the Midwest by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) located in Washington DC.

For more information, please visit: http://www.lenwi.org.