The Young Entrepreneurs Academy curriculum helps students turn their big ideas into reality by helping create a business plan, prototype, pitch to investors, and finally launch their business. The program is open to applicants from all over Eastside, and for the last 9 years 156 Eastside students from 6th – 12th grade have completed this one-of-a-kind, entrepreneurial education class. Business leaders volunteer as speakers, mentors, and judges for the programs. The students have started businesses that range from piezo electric flooring to schools to animal shaped sugar cubes to lighter brighter backpacks to a social enterprise created to help farmers in India. Currently the Bellevue Chamber hosts the program, and the Bellevue YEA! Chapter has had three students finish in the top 3 at the Saunder’s Competition, which takes place in Rochester NY amongst tough competition from 50 YEA! chapters around the country. Andrew Change and Anisha Vaish, both Eastside YEA! alum, share their businesses with Kirkland Lifestyle.
Name: Andrew Chang
Age: 14
Company Name: ComPETnionship
In 5th grade, I read in the news that senior citizens would sometimes surrender their pets due to financial limitations. Having been an owner of two dogs, I found this heartbreaking and decided to found ComPETnionship. ComPETnionship helps senior citizens care for their pet companions. We provide pet food and personalized notes to the pet owners. We strive to provide encouragement in these difficult times, when one-to-one connection can be challenging for senior citizens.
For more information, visit www.competnionship.org
Name: Anisha Vaish
Age: 14
Company Name: Writer unBlocks
Writer unBlocks is an online service that helps writers overcome writer’s block and motivation slumps by hosting a community of aspiring authors. Approximately 97% of authors quit before they finish their novels. Writer unBlocks allows writers to make posts, ask questions, and meet other users through genre and book related forums. Subscribers may make transactions with other users for services such as editing and publishing. Writer unBlocks helps writers pursue their writing dreams.
For more information, visit www.writerunblocks.com
