JCJC Hosts Young Entrepreneurs

ELLISVILLE – With the desire to start their own business and be their own boss, nearly 150 high school students heard from some of the Pine Belt’s experienced business leaders.  This workshop opportunity, which is designed to stimulate the creative process and guide students into business, was offered through the Southern Entrepreneurship Program and hosted by Jones County Junior College.

“We want these students to take ownership of the process of learning how to start a business,” said University of Southern Mississippi assistant professor of economic development and entrepreneurship, Dr. Brent Hales.  “Seventeen functioning businesses have grown out of this program.  It’s impacting these kids’ lives and it’s impacting the economic development in the state.”

Over the last three years, this program has grown from a small group of four schools participating in the state to more than 15 schools participating.  Students from Heidelberg, Stone County, Bay Springs, Stringer, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Petal, Columbus, Florence, Richland, and West Bolivar High Schools participated in the first of three workshops for the program.  Gulfport High School teacher Cathy McGuffee has been involved in the entrepreneurial program from the beginning. 

“It gets better every year,” said McGuffee.  “It’s teaching kids to find a passion. They get to learn what they want to do, and discover where that path will lead them.  It lets them think outside the box.”

Part of the day is spent inspiring these young entrepreneurs with experienced entrepreneurs.  Business owners Ashley Henley of Desinz by Nikki, Rocky Purvis of KaRocks and other ventures, Jacky Spradley of Full Bloom Landscaping and Lawn Care, Sunny Corral of Sunny Webb Design, Rodney Richardson of RARE Designs and Charles Arinder of Caliente Grill, spent the morning sharing their words of wisdom. 

150 high school students had the opportunity to learn from some of the Pine Belt’s entrepreneurs at the Southern Entrepreneurship Program hosted a Jones County Junior College.

“If your only motivation is to get rich, you’ll get broke fast,” said Richardson.  “Explore your motivations and challenge yourself.  It will help you get through the tough times and enjoy the good times.”

Some of the panelists discussed how education played a role in their success because of the friendships they created and the networking opportunities in school.  Purvis also emphasized the need to be bold.

“Get excited about what you do and get to know people.  Build those relationships. That’s how I’ve been able to start my businesses, with friends I met while working and in school.” 

Henley, Spradley and Corral shared some of the challenges they faced as women in business.  “Finances and being a woman in a male-dominated field were some of my biggest obstacles,” said Spradley. 

Another challenge panelists shared that might be difficult for teens is being taken seriously.  Some said they didn’t know how to start a business but had the drive and desire to figure it out. 

“It’s a constant battle,” said Purvis.  “Get sound advice and listen to it.  Learn from your mistakes and temper your drive with patience.”

Several teens have already started their businesses before entering into this program, but are seeing the benefits of participating.  “My teacher has helped me a lot and has given me amazing tips,”   said Petal senior, Chelsea Anderson.  “I’m learning about the laws involved with businesses so taking the class has helped.” 

Anderson has a web based business called Owl by Gypsy.com, that sells clothes she’s designed, artwork and guitar lessons.  Javaris Taylor of Gulfport has several business ventures with big plans. 

“At everything.com I sell drinks, snacks, or whatever,” said Taylor.  “I also want to start a sports pub and have a game show in the pub.  I plan to then put the sports game show on TV one day.”
Taylor said he started his business at the age of 16.  “I didn’t know what I wanted to do at first. I’m creative and I’ve met some people who said they’d help me with my ideas.”

Javaris Taylor, 16 years old, listens intently to the entrepreneurs to get some tips for his businesses.

At the end of the year, students will present their business plan and idea to a panel of judges.  The best plan will be given some resources to start that business.  However, a new facet of the program this year also included a personal challenge from Hales.  “I will pay $500 to whomever or what group makes the most money.”

With that announcement, students from the participating schools were busy thinking of ways to succeed.

The University of Southern Mississippi, Jones County Junior College, The Montgomery Institute, WAEM Regional Initiative, and Bancorp South sponsored the day’s events.

 

Photos and story written by: Teresa Martin, JCJC Media-Public Relations Director 601-477-4032