VALDOSTA — Youngsters have the opportunity to become business owners.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce brings the Young Entrepreneurs Academy to the area to transform middle and high school students into business owners as part of a weekly entrepreneurship education class beginning this fall, according to a chamber press release. 

YEA! is a cutting-edge program that takes students ages 11 to 18 through the process of starting and launching a real business or social movement during the course of an academic year. 

By the end of the class, students own and operate fully formed and functioning businesses, which may continue after graduation from the program.

“The Young Entrepreneurs Academy will help the Metro Valdosta area to fulfill its goal of supporting small business development in our community by training our future leaders and helping them to establish strong, lasting relationships with their hometown business community,” Chamber President Myrna Ballard said. “We are thrilled to be the second community in Georgia to adopt the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. This program will enhance business education for students and provide a unique, challenging and fulfilling experience for all participants.”

“YEA! offers a unique model that helps bridge the business and academic communities together, while creating meaningful ties to the area for students. We are excited about launching this expansion in the Valdosta community,” said Gayle Jagel, YEA! founder and CEO. 

The program operates in more than 100 communities from throughout the U.S., with the goal of expanding to chambers of commerce, colleges, universities, and school districts in every community across the country.

Valdosta-Lowndes County YEA! sponsors include Georgia Power.

“Georgia Power is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the second chapter of YEA! in the state. Helping young entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and to give them confidence in the process is important to the future success of the business community,” said Jason Manley, vice president, South Region, Georgia Power.

“One of the interesting components of YEA! is the ‘behind the scenes’ knowledge that local business leaders are able to share with students. Community support will strengthen the program, and the Academy aims to strengthen the community,” said DeWayne and Amanda Johnson, program directors. 

YEA! was developed in 2004 at the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., with support from the Kauffman Foundation. YEA! now receives support from the United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Sam’s Club.

More information: Visit yeausa.org or contact DeWayne or Amanda Johnson at Johnson.yea@valdostachamber.com or call (229) 588-0866.