Building Entrepreneurship Skills Capacity in Idaho Schools
GrantID: 57170
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
Grant Overview
Idaho's Entrepreneurship Skills Program: Building Future Business Leaders
Idaho is undergoing a significant economic transformation, driven in part by a surge in entrepreneurship. However, a 2021 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights that approximately 40% of small businesses in Idaho cite workforce weaknesses as a critical barrier to growth. Young residents often lack the entrepreneurial skills necessary to navigate the complex commercial landscape, which has created a gap that leaves many potential entrepreneurs unprepared to launch innovative ventures. Many high schools in Idaho do not offer entrepreneurship education, causing students to miss opportunities for skill development in an economy where small businesses play a vital role.
Who Can Benefit From This Program?
The primary recipients of the Entrepreneurship Skills Program are high school students across Idaho, particularly those in rural and underserved urban areas. These students are often at a disadvantage due to limited access to resources, mentorship opportunities, and practical business experiences. Additionally, students from low-income backgrounds may lack the familial support needed to understand the nuances of building and managing a business, which further emphasizes the necessity of this program.
Application Process and State Context
Eligibility for the Entrepreneurship Skills Program requires applicants to be high school students enrolled in Idaho schools. The program prioritizes schools that demonstrate economic need and lack existing entrepreneurship curricula. Application realities involve submitting project proposals that outline how the requested funding would facilitate the development of entrepreneurial initiatives within the school, potentiate collaborations with local businesses, and outline strategies for student engagement.
As part of the evaluation process, funding proposals will be assessed on their capacity to deliver real-world business experiences, including mentorship from local entrepreneurs, access to startup resources, and opportunities for students to manage their own projects. In Idaho, where small businesses employ over 90% of the workforce, this program aims to leave an imprint not just on students but on the entire economic fabric of the state.
Addressing the Unique Needs of Idaho's Students
Unlike its neighboring states, Idaho experiences a distinct challenge in fostering entrepreneurial skills among its youth due to its vast rural geography. The Entrepreneurship Skills Program aims to bridge this gap, empowering students with practical knowledge that can directly influence their educational and economic trajectories. By connecting students with local business leaders and providing hands-on project experiences, this initiative hopes to cultivate a new generation of business owners and innovators that will sustain Idaho's economic growth.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
