Meet the Businesses Created by YouthQuest Students

On Saturday, May 5 at the Flint Farmers’ Market, 32 YouthQuest student-run businesses will sell their own products at the YQ, Inc. Business Fair. Over the last few weeks, students were taught business planning and financial literacy, all in preparation for the event.

Students from each YouthQuest site voted for five businesses to compete in a “Shark Tank”-style competition that was held over the last two weeks. The student-run businesses were judged on their business plan, prototype, presentation, production description, marketing and promotional plan, and financial overview.

Out of the competing businesses, 32 were awarded $100 each to produce their products. Students from teams that did not make it through the “Shark Tank”-style competition have the opportunity to participate by helping with production and sharing in the businesses’ profits from the fair.

“Entrepreneurship teaches students to think outside of the box and nurtures unconventional talents,” said Cheryl Adkins, YouthQuest program director. “Students have been creating a variety of products from Snapchat filters to pipe cleaner creatures. We are excited for the public to see what these students created.”

During the  competition, each student was asked how they will spend their earnings. Answers ranged from helping loved ones financially to reinvesting the money back into their business.

Below, see some of the business that will be at YQ, Inc.:

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

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