Build a Better Future
Nearly half of high school students want to invent something that will change the world. Is that you?
Start a Real Company
You need experience to get a job and you need a job to get experience...Huh? Why not start your own business and be your own boss?
The Mentor Match Teen Entrepreneurship program is a perfect way to learn if you've got what it takes. The program is free and who knows, you might just become the next big internet billionaire or save the planet or both.
Apply Today
We’re looking for students of all kinds to become real entrepreneurs!
Free to Harney County teen entrepreneurs through a sponsorship by
Here is what students are saying
Tom Boyd - Methius Barney - Mason Radinovich
Determination Pays Off
The most important thing I learned is that experienced people are your most valuable tools in starting a business. I also learned that with hard work and determination, anything can be possible for my future.
Expanded Financial Knowledge
I learned about credit and investments. Those two are super important to me.
Selling Native Beaded Jewelry
I like selling my items and sharing the story of my people. I learned to give a backstory on all my products and on the artists.
Become a Business Owner.
Apply today!
Need more information? Contact Becki Graham
503-810-1066 - becki@highdesertpartnership.org
Mentor Match Teen Entrepreneurship Program
Do you think that maybe, just maybe, you'd like to start a business? Do you have an idea for a great product or service? What if you could start your business before Thanksgiving and earn cash for the holidays?
The Mentor Match Teen Entrepreneurship program can help you get started. Beginning in September, this program will help you launch a successful business, no matter where you live, what kind of student you are, or how much money you have.
This easy to follow, step by step program can do just that.
How the Program Works
Become a Successful Entrepreneur
Fall Session
Information Session - September 22nd
Fall Session is a 12 Week program that completes early December. By the end of this session you will be ready to launch your business, market your product or service, get customers, and make sales.
Take it to the Next Level
Winter Session
Starts in January
Winter Session is a 12 Week program ending late March. During this session you will get the help and tools to take your business to the next level, leverage online technology, maybe build a team, and increase your sales.
Successfully complete the Fall and Winter sessions and be invited to participate in the Rural Teen Entrepreneurship Summit in March 2020
Accelerate your Success
Spring Session
Begins Mid April
The Spring session is for those Teen Entrepreneurs who wish to take their business even further and create a profitable small business enterprise. In addition to in depth workshops expert presentations you extensive get one-on mentoring to take your business to the next level.
what you get
Here’s what entrepreneurship teaches you!
Entrepreneurship teaches you about planning, financial responsibility, supply and demand, the importance of relationships, and more.
It improves academic performance, school attendance, interpersonal skills, job readiness, problem solving skills, and decision-making abilities.
Entrepreneurship provides the perfect arena to experiment with career paths, business ideas, and self-identities.
Teen entrepreneurship is the mature equivalent of playing dress-up.
You can try on a lot of different options with little risk.
Entrepreneurship not just an alternative to traditional employment if times get tough but can be a primary career objective in place of higher education or after college.
This program gives you the opportunity to explore that path while still in school.
Meet the Mentors
This is just a snapshot of people you will meet and work with to develop, launch, and grow your business.
Mentor
Stacy Green
Realizing a need to get teens interested in business and entrepreneurship Stacy created the Mentor Match Teen Entrepreneur Program, to teach high school how to become successful entrepreneurs.
Mentor
Brad Attig
Brad Attig has a passion for helping startups and small businesses. He launched Foundry Collective a nonprofit working to create sustainable "Main Street Innovation Labs" in small and rural communities.
Mentor
Brenda Smith
High Desert Partnership Executive Director and entrepreneur. Brenda has various experiences from teaching, managing her own farm, running a small flower bouquet business, and more.
Mentor
Anna Gahley
Entrepreneur and BLM Budget Technician. An OSU graduate Anna's own entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well as her and her brother own and operate a mobile DJ service.
Mentor
Becki Graham
High Desert Partnership Harney Basin Wetlands Initiative Coordinator. Becki has multiple experiences tracking and managing projects which includes the finances of multiple projects.
Mentor
Tracy Kennedy
Community Economic Development Coordinator for the Burns Paiute Tribe. Tracy provides business training classes to Tribal entrepreneurs and is working to launching a Tribal Business Incubator.
