Students showcase entrepreneurial skills at Jr. CEO event
– The annual Jr. CEO program, organized by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, will culminate with Jr. CEO Business Day on Sunday, Mar. 24. Fifty-eight students will participate in the event, which will feature Jr. CEO participants selling their products. The event will be held in The Plaza on El Camino Real, opposite the Sunken Gardens in downtown Atascadero, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community is invited to attend and support the small businesses.
The program provides a unique educational opportunity for elementary and junior high students through five virtual workshops focused on entrepreneurial skills. These sessions cover the fundamentals of setting up a business, cost models, safety and food preparation, marketing and customer service, and savings and money management.
“A favorite thing learned from the Jr. CEO Program is how I can take my fun bead making hobby and turn it into a profitable business,” said Mila Gonzalez, a 10-year-old Jr. CEO with Baha Beads. “Last year, by making beads with my sisters, we were able to take the whole family to the California Mid-State Fair,”
“I am inspired by this program. It creates family unity and allows students to think beyond the classroom,” said Alexis Gonzales. “This program empowers our youth to think entrepreneurship. Thank you, Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, for making an impact on the lives of our youth.”
Chamber President/CEO Josh Cross led each virtual workshop. Participants received an interactive workbook for each session. “I can’t wait to see how these young entrepreneurs contribute their talents to our community,” he said. “The chamber is thrilled to invest in tomorrow’s leaders today.”
