City Encouraging Youth Entrepreneurship Through Contest

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 26, 2016) – Several high school students will be pitching their businesses ideas for a chance at a $3,000 grand prize at a Spark! Tank competition Saturday, April 30, sponsored by Junior Achievement of Arkansas along with the City’s Department of Community Programs and Small Business Development Office.

“Junior Achievement is proud to be partnering with the City of Little Rock to foster entrepreneurship among young people, Junior Achievement of Arkansas President Chad Kauffman said. “JA believes in the boundless potential of young people, and that most need only an opportunity to show their ability. Spark! Tank is that opportunity.”

Entrepreneurship class students from Central and Parkview high schools will be part of the inaugural groups participating in the competition, which is based around the JA Company Program that provides economic education by allowing students to organize and operate an actual business.

“We want to expose students to all forms of careers and entrepreneurship — especially small business development for job creation,” said Community Programs Director Dana Dossett. “This is an important opportunity for our youth that will lead to job creation, which is important for our local economy.”

The first place business plan group, selected by a panel of judges, will receive $3,000 to operate the winning business during the summer. The second place team will get $1,500, while the third place team will get $500. A people’s choice award will be given to the fan favorite.

The competition will take place from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the City Hall Board Room.

About Junior Achievement of Arkansas

At Junior Achievement, we give young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Our corporate and community volunteers deliver relevant, hands-on experiences in work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to students from kindergarten through high school.

About the City of Little Rock Department of Community Programs
The Department of Community Programs provides positive educational, cultural, and mentoring opportunities for the children, youth, and families living in the City of Little Rock. Funded programs utilize citizen involvement, evidence-based and best practices, and standardized processes with the goal of increasing positive outcomes and improving the quality of life for Little Rock citizens. 

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