T.R.U.T.H. : a training program to engage Camden youth in entrepreneurial ventures by establishing a small business project
Date
2006
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Southern New Hampshire University
Abstract
This document presents the development of a creative entrepreneurship program for three youth, ages 14-24, residents of Camden New Jersey's disinvested neighborhoods. This program is designed to curve recidivism among youth in the city of Camden as part of a three-pronged approach: (1) training and motivation, (2) entrepreneurial opportunity and incentive, and (3) career job placement. Youth went through training at the Genesis Youth Employment Training and Entrepreneurship Program and the ED-Tech Program to gain entrepreneurial skills, business skills, and technical knowledge. Upon completion, Project TRUTH will help participants in the implementation of new entrepreneur ventures, joint ventures, sole proprietorships, marketing, advertisement, sales, operations, strategy, and financing.
The proposed initial project launch will be the Camden County Cleaning Service, a for-profit, C- Corporation. Working with a business in the community, the project will engage the youth in all aspects of developing the business -- from creating a business plan, incorporation, marketing, purchasing, packaging and distribution. They will be taught basic principles of generating more income than expenses to create a profit, and the importance of reinvesting monies back into the business and community for sustainability. Additional funding will be sought for the Cleaning Company start-up capital and 3-months salaries for those participants who complete the program. This business venture will be flagship project which will launch other future entrepreneurial ventures. (Author abstract)
Description
item.page.type
Thesis