Napa College Entrepreneurship Program

Napa Valley College recently celebrated young entrepreneurial spirit with its second annual Children's Business Fair, where local students showcased their business ideas and budding entrepreneurial skills. We sat down with event co-hosts Emily Oberman and Claudette Shatto of Napa Valley College to discuss this exciting initiative.

What are the main goals of the youth entrepreneurship fair?

We wanted to launch the Children's Business Fair in Napa to empower young entrepreneurs with real-world business experience, foster creativity and equip students with practical skills such as budgeting, marketing and goal-setting. We believe strongly in instilling an entrepreneurial mindset for kids to be able to take with them into both their professional and personal lives as they grow, whether or not they end up becoming entrepreneurs. This event works towards building that confidence and encouraging responsibility to support their future success in anything they do.

What did you learn from last year's fair and how did you use that to enhance this year's event?

Our biggest takeaway was the importance of targeted outreach and community engagement to improve attendance. This year, we addressed this by strengthening partnerships with local schools and organizations, such as the Napa County Office of Education (NCOE) and The Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley. Additionally, we introduced workshops to provide hands-on business training for participants, ensuring they were well-prepared to present their ideas at the fair.

Can you tell us about the newly added mentor program?

The mentorship program was created in collaboration with the Napa County Office of Education (NCOE). During the workshops leading up to the fair, mentors from NCOE's College and Career Readiness Department worked closely with participants, guiding them through essential business concepts like identifying target customers, developing marketing strategies and setting achievable goals. As a result, these young entrepreneurs received personalized support tailored to their age group and experience level.

What are some steps you are taking to expand participation and grow the entrepreneurship program further?

We are actively working to grow the program by expanding partnerships with local schools and community organizations and offering more workshops for further mentorship opportunities through sponsorship. We really want to provide enhanced resources and support for the students. Increased advertising and promotion of the fair will also be a focus to attract more participants and visitors, which is key to furthering the success of this event as a whole.

What types of support are you providing to young entrepreneurs through this initiative?

Aside from the newly added mentorship component from NCOE professionals, we really value the autonomy the structure of the fair promotes, as it is so important for students to be able to freely explore their creativity and interests in order to stay engaged.

What are the most exciting projects or innovations you've witnessed from youth participants?

The creativity and innovation displayed by participants has been inspiring. This year, projects ranged from eco-friendly products and handmade crafts to unique food businesses and STEM-focused creations. These projects reflect the ingenuity and diverse interests of these young entrepreneurs and their ability to address real-world challenges with a fresh perspective.

Can you describe any collaboration between the Napa business community and the youth entrepreneurship program?

The success of the fair is built on collaboration with community partners, including the Napa County Office of Education, Napa Valley Unified School District, Blue Oak School and The Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley. Local businesses and educators also contribute as mentors and sponsors, providing invaluable support and expertise. These partnerships strengthen the program and create meaningful connections between the students and their community.

What are some of the goals for the entrepreneurship program moving forward and how do you see the program evolving in the next few years?

Looking ahead, we aim to expand participation by reaching more students across Napa County and beyond. Future goals include creating year-round entrepreneurship programming, enhancing mentorship opportunities and offering additional resources like scholarships for participants. Although there is no application or participation fee currently, there are certain costs associated with developing and running a business, and we want to make this accessible to all. We envision the program evolving into a comprehensive initiative that equips students with entrepreneurial skills and connects them with local business leaders to foster innovation and growth.

What advice would you give to young Napa residents who are interested in entrepreneurship?

Start with your passions and think about how you can solve a problem or bring value to others. Don't be afraid to take risks or make mistakes - they are part of the learning process. Look for opportunities to learn from mentors, participate in programs like the Children's Business Fair, and take business courses at Napa Valley College! Most importantly, believe in yourself and your ideas.

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