Future Entrepreneurs: YQ Biz Kicks off for YouthQuest High School Students

Once again, YouthQuest is participating in YQ Biz in conjunction with Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) and Youth Entrepreneurial Institute (YEI).

The program, which has evolved over the years, allows students to create and run businesses over the course of the school year, selling real products and making actual money.

“YQ Biz is a great opportunity for our students to learn key skills such as how to run a business and financial literacy,” says Nefertari Jones, director of Afterschool Education at Flint & Genesee Education & Talent. “Each year, we see a great batch of students who are creative and driven Some even continue their businesses after the school year has finished.”

This year, YQ Biz clubs are hosted at International Academy of Flint, Flint Southwestern Classical Academy, Holmes STEM Academy and Accelerated Learned Academy. The program is open to all students in Genesee County in 7-12 grades. Program runs twice a week and began in October.

On top of creating their business, students have an opportunity to sell their products both in-person and through an online market. The in-person markets will be held at the Flint Farmers’ Market on the following dates:

• December 11, 2021
• January 22, 2022
• February 12, 2022
• March 12, 2022
• April 9, 2022
• May 14, 2022

YQ Biz students will also be able to participate in a pitch competition in December for the chance to win a cash prize to invest in their business or concept.

Students interested in participating in YQ Biz can ask their site team leader or sign up for the club via the YouthQuest application at yquest.org.

YouthQuest is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.