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Friends of the Children-Boston (Friends-Boston), hosted the 2017 Achievers Entrepreneur Business Plan Competition, an event where 25 middle and high school youth from neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan presented pitches for innovative business plans that would have a positive impact on their communities.
For the last 14 weeks, these youth, known as Achievers, went through a rigorous entrepreneurship program with the support of Santander Bank, where they learned how to develop entrepreneurial solutions to address some of the critical needs in the community.
During the entrepreneurship program, the Achievers had the chance to earn and save money as they gained different competencies. Saturday was the culminating event where teams pitched their business plans in front of some of Boston’s top business leaders.
“It was inspiring to see the Achievers use the skills they have learned during the past 14 weeks and present some extremely impressive pitches,” said Yi-Chin Chen, Executive Director of Friends-Boston. “We are so proud of the teens for not only for improving their confidence, public speaking skills, and understanding of entrepreneurship but for working hard to create innovative and creative ideas that could help their communities thrive.”
Grub It Up Food Truck, the business presented by Danielle Barnes, Shayla Massiah, and Jendayi Williams, won the competition and the $2,500 prize. They were judged based on the strength of the business plan, strength of community impact and strength of presentation.
“Being a part of the Achiever Entrepreneurship Program really taught me how hard it is to create a business,” said Jendayi Williams, a member of Team Grub It Up who is a rising 11th grader from Dorchester. “Winning the grand prize made all of the hard work and sacrifice my team put in all worthwhile.”
Over the next few months, the winning teams will be sharing their business plans with various stakeholders and through different events to further encourage youth engagement in social impact entrepreneurial projects.
“All of the teams did an amazing job presenting,” said Betty Francisco, one of the judges. “They thought about how to bring businesses into neighborhoods where the needs are in order to create impact, jobs and improve people’s lives. They should be very proud of what they have accomplished.”
The judges also recommended a team that demonstrated the most learning throughout the process. Team Art Café, a hybrid art studio café, was recognized with a $1,000 Spirit Award. Finally, the “People’s Choice” award went to Smooth Readings, a bookstore inside a smoothie shop.
Other pitches included Garden Bar, a healthy food buffet; K&J Clothing, a children’s clothing thrift store; and Utopia Landscaping, a pay-what-you-can landscaping business.
