How old must someone be to be an entrepreneur?
It seems an fitting question in this issue of the Business Journal, which celebrates 20 people under the age of 40 making a difference in our community.
What is too young to think creatively, demonstrate value and capitalize on that value?
There are many enterprising youths who have lawn mowing businesses, make jewelry, 3D print Minecraft characters, sell pasture raised eggs, etc.
A local example is talented artist, Ella Smith, who will be entering Eisenhower High School this fall as a freshman. She has be selling her artwork from the time she was 2-years old. Last summer she generated over $650 in revenue selling her artwork. She has a social media presence, has exhibited in an international art show, and has received scholarships to a collegiate art camp (not Millikin University…but there is still time, Ella).
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But she is not alone in her enterprising endeavors.
Just ask Paul Ritter, co-founder and director of Celebrating High School Innovators (CHSI). Paul championed a program for young innovators to gain strength and encouragement toward their lofty pursuits.
According to Paul, young innovators can sometimes feel different or isolated, but CHSI is an opportunity for youth from across the state to get together, talk about what they are doing, compare strategies and technologies they are using to solve problems, and compete to validate their innovative ideas and efforts.
The program was picked up this year by Millikin and Illinois State University and, similar to the Business Journal, this statewide innovation program is looking for the 30 under 20 in Illinois. And, we are proud that Arcehr Daniels Midland Co. is a key sponsor of the program through an ADM Cares grant. Other corporate sponsors and supporters include Nicor Gas and Enbridge, both in the energy sector.
CHSI does not require its high school participants to become entrepreneurs, but it does exactly what the title says: it celebrates high school innovators.
Innovation can lead to entrepreneurship, and it certainly can lead to solving problems. It’s up to the entrepreneurs to commercialize it.
There are five categories in which student teams can apply: arts, media and literature, business entrepreneurship, health and nutrition, social entrepreneurship, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
Last year, CHSI showcased 15 young innovators like Jessica Trinh from Auburn High School in Rockford. Jessica grew microgreens in response to the complaints of local community members about not having enough quality food options. She used her school’s aquaponics system and harvested microgreens one to two weeks after germination, yielding 4 to 40 times the amount of nutrients as their mature counterparts. Jessica planted, harvested and packaged the microgreens and then donated them to a local food pantry.
A student is eligible to compete if enrolled (public, private or home-school) and in good academic standing in the 9th through 12th grade in Illinois during the time which the current competition is taking place.
Each team must consist of between one and six members, and one member must be the team leader. Each team must have an advisor over the age of 21 (teacher, FFA or 4-H leader, guidance counselor, parent, etc.). Teams may have mentors who provide guidance in the industry of interest, in entrepreneurship, or any other relevant area.
Official rules, dates, and application information can be found on http://chsinnovators.org. Winners receive a cash prize and scholarships from both Millikin and Illinois State University.
For more inspiring information about the young Illinois innovators who were showcased last year, visit http://chsinnovators.org/2016-winners.
