Main Street Ventures offers summer program for student entrepreneurs

Main Street Ventures is bringing back its summer entrepreneurship training program for local high school students.

Now in its fourth year, the Inventure Entrepreneurship Academy provides a hands-on learning experience for teenagers interested in entrepreneurship. The five-day program will take place June 2-6 at the 1819 Innovation Hub at the University of Cincinnati.

Startup leaders, university students and business experts will mentor students throughout the week, helping them develop their business ideas. The program will conclude with a pitch competition, where teams will compete for prize money to support their ventures.

Online registration is available at mainstventures.org/inventure. The cost is $20 and covers supplies, lunch and snacks. Applications close March 31.

“Launching and growing a business is no small feat, but by connecting students with experienced local entrepreneurs, we’re helping them build a strong foundation to turn their ideas into successful ventures,” said Sean Parker, executive director of Main Street Ventures. “And if we can encourage them to grow those businesses here, we’re further strengthening our community’s economic outlook.”

Inspiring Future Startup Leaders

Main Street Ventures is a nonprofit that provides equity-free funding and programming to startups across the Tri-State region. In recent years, it has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of startup founders and business owners through its academy.

The program launched in 2022 with the goal of immersing students in the entrepreneurial process. Beyond strengthening leadership and problem-solving skills, the experience-driven approach empowers students to develop innovative ideas and turn them into viable business models, said Sean Parker, executive director of Main Street Ventures.

The program is open to high school students in Butler, Clermont and Hamilton counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.

To date, more than 80 students have participated.

“At Main Street Ventures, we believe that equipping high school students with entrepreneurial skills is an investment in the future of our local economy,” Parker said. “The Inventure Entrepreneurship Academy is another way we’re inspiring and empowering the next generation of business leaders.”