Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs in Coastal Alabama

The Coastal Alabama Kids Entrepreneurs program, under the auspices of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, is preparing to host its inaugural “C.A.K.E. Day” on May 11. This event is specifically designed for local primary school students, with the aim of igniting an interest in entrepreneurship and the process of business development at a young age.

Penny Hughey, the Vice President of Education and Programs, has articulated that the primary objective of “C.A.K.E. Day” is to afford students with practical experience in running a business outside of the classroom. While the program typically hosts weekend workshops for students with an interest in business, Hughey emphasized the importance of tailoring a unique experience for local primary school students.

The impetus for the program began in 2023, with the organization expending significant effort in researching and seeking counsel from educators, parents, and local business owners to formulate a program that would best serve the children in the community. Additionally, they enlisted the insights of Yolanda Johnson from the Alabama Small Business Development Center, who provided valuable advice on creating a program specifically for children.

The main event, “C.A.K.E. Day,” will showcase various student-operated businesses from Gulf Shores Elementary School, Orange Beach Elementary School, South Baldwin Christian Academy, and local homeschooled students. The range of businesses will encompass coffee and lemonade stands, as well as dessert, jewellery, art, and fishing lure shops, all of which will exemplify the creative talents of young entrepreneurs during the event.

A fundamental component of “C.A.K.E. Day” will be the presence of a judging panel that will visit all the student-run businesses, interviewing the young entrepreneurs and evaluating their performance based on how effectively they implement the program’s teachings. The event will also feature certificates and prizes for the highest achievers, serving as a meaningful way to inspire and acknowledge the students’ efforts.

The primary objective of the program is to empower students as young as Kindergarten age to conceive, manage, and derive profit from a genuine business. The children will acquire varied skills in business such as idea generation, branding, and business planning. Additionally, they will receive practical instruction on obtaining a “business lease” to rent their space, along with participation in a “Little Lenders” program to educate them on responsible borrowing. Furthermore, students will be encouraged to allocate a portion of their profits to the community, instilling the value of philanthropy from an early age.

The “C.A.K.E. Day” event is set for Saturday, May 11, with specific locations for the student-operated businesses to be disclosed closer to the event. Individuals interested in engaging with the program or participating in C.A.K.E. Day can access further information on the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s website at www.mygulfcoastchamber.com.

The event guarantees to be an exhilarating and inventive opportunity for the young students of Coastal Alabama to immerse themselves in the realm of business and entrepreneurship. It presents a superb method to foster an early interest in business and establish the foundation for the next generation of astute entrepreneurs.