The Ohio Valley Youth Network (OVYN) currently has 25 students currently involved in a “Business Builders” Young Entrepreneurship Class. OVYN has brought in local business owners, bankers, and entrepreneurs to speak to the 5-8th grade students and is now supporting students in their next steps as developing entrepreneurs. In 2020-2021 the class focuses on financial literacy and general principles of launching a business, and next fall, OVYN looks to support students in launching their own small businesses.

This Cause Connector project will help OVYN provide micro-loans to students to launch their own business starting next fall. OVYN will give students loans to get supplies to get their businesses up and running. OVYN will have students develop and present a business plan, assist them with improving their business model, and award microloans to help students launch their business.

OVYN hopes students will be able to launch their at the First Friday events in Steubenville, that attract up to 8,000 patrons on the first Friday of each month.

Ohio Valley Youth Network has developed a number of ways to ensure participating youth have activities geared to their interests and this is just another example. This program provides resources to young people in Steubenville, and it has grown quickly to meet growing needs. We know exposing our young people to principles of entrepreneurship at a young age can develop those skill sets and serve them in the long run.