Monday, July 31, 2006
From this week's National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship newsletter:
A number of regions have developed innovative entrepreneurship programs. These efforts provide some type of training, and perhaps some funds via a business plan competition. But, what if kids could be assisted in saving money, which could then be used to build a new venture?
This concept is driving a new effort, the Savings for Education, Entrepreneurship and Downpayment (SEED) Initiative, a youth financial literacy program led by the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED). A new CFED White Paper reports on this program and offers recommendations for more closely linking financial literacy and youth entrepreneurship programs.
The paper notes that both types of programs help build a better sense of self-determination and positive attitudes among youth. Not surprisingly, they also make it easier for youth to start a new company should they choose to pursue this path. The study reports on preliminary pilot projects in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, and also offers suggestions for effectively integrating these programs in other communities.
Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
Here's the link if you are a bloglines subscriber:
Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Youth savings and entrepreneurship
