By David Seduski | Development Associate
Unfortunately, NFTE Los Angeles’ project to fund our Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge did not reach the critical mass of donations we were looking for. Thanks so much to those who did donate, we appreciate all the efforts you have made to bring our students' entrepreneurial dreams to life. The NFTE Los Angeles challenge took place on May 19th at Creative Artists Agency. During the NFTE class students learned about entrepreneurship and the mindset necessary to overcome adversity and address future personal, economic, community and global challenges. As they presented the business plans they created as a result of their lessons, we were consistently amazed with the new ventures they proposed. The Challenge itself is an important part of teaching students presentation skills, public speaking, and confidence in their business plans.
One of the ventures that came from the NFTE Los Angeles program was A Touch Of Eco. Kenneth H. of Downey, California found a problem affecting his local community and saw a solution through entrepreneurship. A Touch of Eco brings environmentally friendly carwashes right to customer’s driveway. “In California, we’re in a major drought,” he explains. “So I thought, ‘Why not go to them?’ We save time and money, and we save water as well.” As the Founder and CEO, Kenneth is responsible for all facets of his business. He hopes to expand his venture into car detailing as well, as it would fit into his mobile auto offerings. His NFTE teacher speaks glowingly of his potential: “One of the things I noticed about Kenneth is that he’s just a really driven kid.”
Kenneth placed second in the Los Angeles Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, earning him a chance to compete in the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in New York City this October. He will the chance to refine his pitch and expand his business over the coming months in order to prepare for the National Challenge, where the winning young entrepreneur will receive $25,000 in scholarships and startup funding. During each step of the Regional Challenge Kenneth was able to receive feedback for his pitch and advice on how to realize his business dreams from local entrepreneurs in the Los Angeles area. His success throughout the NFTE program in Los Angeles was partially fueled by donors like those of who donated on Global Giving. Thanks again for thinking of our young entrepreneurs, and for helping them to think in an entrepreneurial mindset.
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