The Gwinnett County Public Library has announced the winners of its recent Teen Entrepreneurship Program. Paola Luquin earned the First Place prize of $250; Jazlynn Dunn earned Second Place, with $175; and Sophie Alverado earned Third Place, and $75.
With more than 60% of teens considering entrepreneurship, the Gwinnett County Public Library Learning Labs launched a Teen Entrepreneurship pilot program this year to provide next-generation leaders with resources to develop small businesses.
Thirty-one area teens applied for the program, and the Learning Labs selected 10 participants.
The program consisted of a four-day intensive workshop in February that taught teens entrepreneurial skills to create economic opportunities. Participants were mentored by Stephanie Sokenis, SmallBiz Ally owner and Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center manager; and Terry Wells, Press4ward Group owner.
The teens each came up with a business concept, developed a small business plan, and executed a pitch presentation to a panel of judges.
The Pitch Competition Judges were Bobbi Menneg, Beyond the Ribbon Inc. founder; Catherine Hardwick, Gwinnett Chatt Outreach board member; and Steven Dao, President of the Georgia Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce.
The Learning Labs hopes to hold another Teen Entrepreneurship Program soon. For more information visit gwinnettpl.org/learninglabs/ or email learninglabs@gwinnettpl.org.
