Young Entrepreneurs of Southlake was founded by 9 year Southlake resident Suzi Thorne with her 13 year old son Brock in mind.
“Brock has been wanting to start his “own business” since he was 1o or 11 and we finally decided that a “club” might be a good place for him to start. This will be a great place for kids to meet others that have like minds. I have found that there are so many things for athletes in our town, but business minded kids have nothing! We are thinking “tweens” to 18 years of age!” states Mrs. Thorne.
Members will get to meet and hear industry leaders at monthly meetings, in addition to building their own network of young business powerhouse contacts. Members will also learn business etiquette, organization skills and how to manage a checkbook, among other things.
“Our goal is to have guest speakers in each month, i.e. people who have started their own businesses with great success, speak with the children about coming up with ideas, setting goals, making business plans, being computer savvy, networking, marketing products, etc. We will occasionally take “field trips” and go behind the scenes at local businesses to see how things run.” said Mrs. Thorne.
It’s not going to be ALL business however. Mrs. Thorne also wants to make this FUN for the kids. The club will collect $5 “dues” at each meeting to offset any “entertainment” costs. Occasionally the kids will join together at the local bowling alley, skating rink or just go out for pizza together! They will also be taught how to be philanthropic, by planning and participating in at least 2 fundraisers per year. “Giving back should always be a part of any business and we want to teach them this at an early age. The club is NOT just about how to MAKE money, but also how to manage it, make it work for them and for others” says Thorne.