At the Center for Community Transformation (CCT), we believe that equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed is a powerful way to address systemic economic challenges in the Central Valley. Through programs like LaunchPad and Youth Entrepreneurship Clubs, we are empowering the next generation of business leaders to transform their communities and create a brighter future.
Why We Need To Support Young Businesses Owners in the Central Valley
The Central Valley faces significant economic disparities, with poverty rates far exceeding state and national averages. In Fresno County, 20.6% of residents live in poverty, compared to California’s 11.8% and the national rate of 12.3%. Over half of Black (55.6%) and Latina (58.7%) households experience relative poverty, struggling to meet basic income needs (Source: Strategic Planning- Poverty in Fresno County). For a region where one-third of children grow up in poverty, these challenges underscore the urgent need for transformative solutions.
Entrepreneurship training offers a way to address these inequities head-on. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and resilience, early exposure to entrepreneurship equips young people with the skills to achieve economic independence and break cycles of poverty. This aligns with CCT’s mission to reflect God’s peace, prosperity, and wholeness.
How CCT is Equipping Young Entrepreneurs
LaunchPad: Igniting Youth Innovation
LaunchPad is a dynamic program designed to empower young entrepreneurs in underserved and rural communities across the Central Valley. With over 12 years of experience raising capital for start-ups, CCT provides a robust platform to guide youth from idea to execution. Participants engage in business plan workshops, feasibility planning, a 7-week entrepreneurship cohort, and a thrilling pitch competition where they can secure funding to launch their ventures.
Winner of Spring Youth Pitch Fest Brings Affordable Sports Jerseys to Families in Need
The Spring 2024 Dinuba/Orosi Youth Pitch Fest highlighted the creativity and ambition of young entrepreneurs in the area. Three business ideas were pitched to a panel of judges, with $4,500 awarded to participants to help bring their visions to life.
One of the winners, Xavier, captured the audience’s attention with his business, Xi Jersey, which provides affordable sports jerseys for families. Sharing his inspiration, Xavier explained, “My dad wanted a jersey… and I was like, dang, these jerseys are expensive. I don’t think I’m gonna be able to get his jersey. I know other families have the same struggles… [so] that’s why XiJersey is here.”
Xavier started Xi Jersey to ensure that families in his community could access quality sports jerseys without breaking the bank. Through LaunchPad, he gained the funding and support needed to take the next steps in his business journey, transforming his vision into a reality.
This event demonstrated how entrepreneurship can empower youth to tackle challenges in their communities and create meaningful change.
Young Entrepreneur Wins Funding to Revive Family Ice Cream Truck in Goshen
On October 24, 2024, the first-ever Tulare LaunchPad Pitch Fest brought together aspiring entrepreneurs at the Sundale Foundation’s Legacy Center. Three youth pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges and an audience of community members. The first-place winner, Albertino Mercado-Abrego, received $2,000 to revive his father’s ice cream truck business, “Tino’s Ice Cream,” and bring it back to his hometown of Goshen. Other business ideas, including a bakery and a valet service, also received funding to launch.
These pitch fests not only provided financial support but also offered young entrepreneurs the chance to build confidence, refine their ideas, and inspire others.
Entrepreneurship Clubs: Building Skills for the Future
CCT’s Entrepreneurship Clubs provide hands-on training designed to inspire and empower youth to see entrepreneurship as a pathway to success. For 12 weeks, students learn the basics of starting a business, including business planning, problem-solving, and market analysis. The program concludes with an exciting demonstration day, where students showcase their business ideas to their peers, teachers, and community members.
Aspen Entrepreneurship Club
During the fall 2024 semester, Aspen Charter School’s Entrepreneurship Club launched to great success! 15 students committed to completing the full 12-week curriculum, which provided an immersive experience into essential business skills such as financial planning, market analysis, and strategic problem-solving. These students worked diligently to transform their initial ideas into polished business concepts, gaining confidence and practical knowledge along the way.
The program culminated in a public expo, a vibrant celebration of innovation and achievement, where students proudly presented their business ideas to peers, educators, and community members. The expo not only showcased the students’ creativity and determination but also underscored the potential of youth entrepreneurship to inspire real change. Participants were recognized for their innovative thinking and hard work, leaving them motivated to pursue their entrepreneurial goals further. This milestone marks the beginning of many such clubs in local schools, aiming to spark creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among youth in the Central Valley.
Two Ways to Empower Future Business Leaders in Your City
CCT’s youth entrepreneurship programs are transforming the Central Valley, one young leader at a time.
If you’re interested in hosting a Youth LaunchPad training or Entrepreneurship Club at your school, contact Bryan Feil at bryan.feil@fresno.edu to bring these transformative programs to your campus.
Do you know a young person with a knack for entrepreneurship or excitement for a creative business idea? If they’d like to pitch it for funding and receive mentorship to grow their business, email bryan.feil@fresno.edu to join our next Youth LaunchPad cohort!
Through these programs, CCT reinforces its dedication to fostering lasting change and inspiring young leaders to bring renewal and hope to the Central Valley. Together, we can support the next generation of entrepreneurs in building a brighter and more prosperous future for their communities.
