In a dynamic showcase of youthful ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, Kidpreneur Africa has inspired young CEOs at the Kidpreneur Conference at the Creative Suitland Art Centre in Maryland, USA.
This event, held on April 13th, 2024, united young entrepreneurs, parents, speakers, and partners from across USA under the theme “Unleashing the Potentials of the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs and Leaders.”
Left-Right: Adwele, Najea, Reyna at the conference
The conference, organised in collaboration with The Village Centre for Character and Culture Inc., provided a platform for aspiring kidpreneurs to showcase their innovation and creativity.
Mrs Juliet Vincent-Obi, the visionary Founder of Kidpreneur Africa, opened the event with a compelling address. She emphasised the importance of empowering young minds for future success.
“Our young, talented entrepreneurs, parents, speakers, and partners from across the country. It is great to see young people like you all taking the future into your own hands, with the fresh perspectives and fearlessness the world needs now,” expressed Vincent-Obi.
She added, “Globally, 600 million jobs need to be created to solve global unemployment needs over the next 15 years. National strategies and development paradigms often advocate for youth entrepreneurship to meet this growing need.
“Many large companies started in their kitchen, home or backyard. A number of those companies are now major corporations giving back to communities. Collectively, these entrepreneurs are helping to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
Vera, John, Jomiloju at the conference
“If today’s youth are uniquely equipped with a “DNA” for success, what must educators, policymakers, government and investors do to support this movement towards youth entrepreneurship? School and college curriculums should include opportunities to develop business, technical and life skills.
“There needs to be greater collaboration between educators and the business sector. Leadership positions for young people should be encouraged for their voice is needed for building a sustainable future.”
The conference featured insightful panel discussions. The first panel discussion on “Harnessing the potential of next generation Entrepreneurs and Leaders for Africa/America led by entrepreneurs” was led by Jason Boursiquot (Founder, Grind Hard Dream Big), Aniya Coffey (Founder, Blisx DC), Sarah Acors (Founder, 4dmvkids), and Oluwatosin Olaleye (Financial Educator and Teen Coach), among others.
Mrs Juliet Vincent-Obi speaking at the conference
The second panel discussed “The role of communities in impacting and investing next generation entrepreneurs and leaders in Africa/America”. This discussion was led by distinguished entrepreneurs, including Jason Anderson, Founder of The Dream Commission; Juliet Obi, Founder of Kidpreneur Africa; Justin Crosby, Co-founder of The Dream Commission; Grace Amarachi Akubuike, Founder of ABCPenthouse; moderated by Genise Thomas, a thought leader and advocate for community-driven initiatives.
The discussions explored the pivotal role of communities in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders in Africa and America.
Aspiring young CEOs at the conference
Attendees were inspired by the stories of young business owners who also received The Kidpreneur Ambassadors Award including Reyna (Founder, Pencil Boxx) and Vera Madrigal (Founders of Tatiana Madrigal from Texas), Gabriella Loftin (CEO of Gabby World Design from the District of Columbia), and Neijae Graham-Henries (The World’s Youngest Female Barber from Philadelphia)
These ambitious kidpreneurs exemplify the innovative spirit that Kidpreneur Africa aims to cultivate.
Throughout the event, there was a resounding call to action for educators, policymakers, governments, and investors to support youth entrepreneurship through tailored curriculums, collaborative initiatives with the business sector, and opportunities for young leaders to take on meaningful roles in shaping a sustainable future.
A panel discussion
Obi concluded the conference with an empowering message to young participants: “Embrace your strengths, seize opportunities, and join the vibrant community of young entrepreneurs shaping the future. Your generation will change the course of history.”
The Kidpreneur Conference in Maryland was not just a gathering; it promotes the transformative power of youth entrepreneurship and the unwavering belief in the potential of young minds to drive impactful change.
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