b"VSU Enactus, an organization dedicated to creating a better world while developing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders and social innovators,has committed to offering student mentors and assistance to YEA! The Young Entrepreneurs Academy gives our local students a chance to fuel their innovative ideas, and helping entrepreneurs is part of the mission of VSU Enactus, said Jeff Shipley, faculty advisor for VSU Enactus. We are excited to host bright young minds on our campus and play our part in developing our communitys future leaders, said Dr. L. Wayne Plumly, dean of the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration.The Young Entrepreneurs Academy will be a positive influence on students and serve as a catalyst to unite our business and educational communities in a manner that will provide an inspiring, challenging, and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.YEA! is a groundbreaking program that takes students ages 11 to 18 through the process of starting and launching a real business or social movement over the course of an academic year. Students brainstorm business ideas, write business plans, pitch to investorsWe are proud to offer YEA! at the Harley Langdale for startup funding, register their companies withJr. College of Business Administration because of its governmental agencies, and launch their own businessreputation for business excellence and longstanding or social movement. Students also have the opportunitycommunity involvement, said Betty Morgan, vice to compete for college scholarships in regional andpresident for business development at the Valdosta-national business pitch competitions. Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce.The Young Entrepreneurs Academy providesFounded in 2004 at the University of Rochester exceptional classes and real-life experiences for thewith support from the Kauffman Foundation, YEA! students, said Amanda Johnson, YEA! manager andserves thousands of students nationwide. In 2011, the lead instructor. We are grateful for the educationalUnited States Chamber of Commerce Foundation working space that the business school provides. Bybecame a national sponsor and partner of the Young having these talented young students on the VSUEntrepreneurs Academy to help celebrate the spirit campus, we are fostering an environment for sparksof enterprise among today's youth and tomorrow's of innovation.future leaders. YEA! is made possible in Valdosta by sponsors such as the programs 2018-2019 Superstar Successful business executives and local entrepreneursSponsor, Southwest Georgia Bank.across a variety of industries are invited to support YEA! students throughout the fun, hands-on, and experiential curriculum as business mentors or guest lecturers. In addition, both large and small businessesDeWayne Johnson serves as program director for can volunteer to serve as a field trip host.Valdosta's Young Entrepreneurs AcademySPRING 2019 67"