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In 2016, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce launched Georgia's first
Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) program, which teaches middle and
high school students how to develop business ideas into plans, pitch to local
investors for real startup funding and ultimately launch real companies.
YEA! partners included SparkMacon Makerspace and Mercer University's
Innovation Center.
■ 23 students, ages 11–18, participated in inaugural program
■ Students from local public, private and home schools
■ $12,000 raised and awarded to students for startup funding
■ 18 new student companies launched
■ 14 student inventions created
■ 4 service-based student business created
■ One student business group selected to compete nationally for
college scholarships
Growing Entrepreneurs
