CAFA Invests in Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge Student Businesses
September 17, 2020
August 5, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAFA Invests in Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge Student Businesses
[BATON ROUGE, La.] August 5, 2020 – Capital Area Finance Authority (CAFA) has awarded a grant to Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge (YEA BR) that will provide seed funding to student entrepreneurs in grades 8-12. The grant will assist students with initial operating expenses as they launch their own Louisiana-based businesses in the spring.
During the Academy, students pitch their businesses to a Shark Tank-like panel of investors for an opportunity to obtain seed funding for their start-ups. Last year’s class of 26 high school students launched 21 businesses, receiving a total of $25,000 in seed funding.
Mark Drennen, President and CEO of Capital Area Finance Authority, stated, “A key part of CAFA’s mission is to be a positive catalyst for building community and ultimately contributing to the region's growth and forward progress. By developing student entrepreneurs in our community, YEA BR is equipping the next generation of leaders to maintain that momentum of growth and progress. CAFA is proud to support these young student CEOs.”
With the support of local businesses along with LED, BRAC and the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business, YEA BR’s immersive program runs from September to April. The program is open to students in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes.
YEA BR executive director Sarah Munson commented, “Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge and CAFA share the vision of building community throughout our nine-parish region. Our students transform into Louisiana’s CEOs of tomorrow. We are so grateful for CAFA’s support which helps to launch their future success.”
Applications for this year’s program are due by August 21, with need-based scholarships available. Space is limited. Students, parents, educators and donors can learn more at https://www.yeabr.org/apply.
About Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge
Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge (YEA BR) is a program that transforms high school students from the nine-parish area into real, confident entrepreneurs. Throughout the academic year, students in grades 8-12 generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their very own companies. For more information, visit yeabr.org.
About Capital Area Finance Authority
Created through a Trust Indenture dated August 14, 1974, pursuant to provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. The initial legislation and subsequent amendments grant the Authority the power to issue bonds and to use proceeds to provide financing for housing conducted in the public interest within the boundaries of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. The organization has the authority to finance all public purposes in the Louisiana Public Trust Act and has expanded its lending programs to eight parishes surrounding East Baton Rouge Parish, including: Pointe Coupee, West Feliciana, East Feliciana, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Ascension and Livingston.
Contacts:
Sarah Munson Executive Director Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge 225-803-3845 sarah@yeabr.org |
Mark Drennen President & CEO Capital Area Finance Authority 225-771-8567 mark@thecafa.org |