EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Innovation, creativity and new business ventures. Many high schoolers create that foundation inside the Michigan State University Broad College of Business.
“I want to go somewhere into accounting and hopefully have my own business eventually in financial advisory,” said Nylah Dunham.
High school students Nylah and Nate Pacania are attending MSU’s Entrepreneurship Camp for the first time. Learning from experts and creating their own ideas.
“There’s a lot of information. I would say one of the biggest takeaways is focusing on your own values and then applying that directly to your business,” said Nate Pacania.
High school students are at that stage where they’re developing innovative and creative mindsets. One of the key components of that is being authentic in every way possible.
“I’m still like trying to figure out how to do that because I overload myself a lot,” said Dunham. “I do a lot of extracurriculars, sports, lots of classes hard classes and stuff like that and authenticity for me is just keeping my word and showing up.”
Program Manager Marquis Taylor says the camp was created with a goal in mind.
“To create the next generation of business leaders, entrepreneurs, especially those who may come from under-served and underrepresented backgrounds,” said Marquis Taylor.
According to CrunchBase, a company that collects data for start-up companies, less than two percent of financing for small businesses goes to Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
“There are still spaces reserved or attention needs to be given to just people who are coming from underrepresented communities again,” said Taylor.
Spaces where all identities can thrive as entrepreneurs.
The camp started on Monday and will last through Thursday. If you’re interested in joining next year’s camp, check out the MSU business page.