Ridgway-Elk County Chamber introduces exciting opportunity for local youth
RIDGWAY - In celebration of Ridgway’s bicentennial year, the RidgwayElk County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the “Kids Rock! A stepping stone to your future” small business loan program for youth ages eight to sixteen.
An opportunity like this encourages young minds to explore their talents, skills, and ideas to propel them into their future aspirations.
In an outline drafted by Ridgway-Elk County Chamber of Commerce Roberta Buehler on the program, she made it clear that it is important to cultivate the curiosity of the local youth.
“I believe that kids have undeniable perspectives and curiosity,” Buehler said. “Parents who encourage their kids to start their own business at a young age enable them to get a head start on life.”
This new chamber program is also being sponsored by the Ridgway Industrial Development Corporation and collaboration from Amy Goode, who donated her time and input in assisting with the development of this loan program.
Buehler and Goode will offer a business plan consulting meeting with interested applicants by appointment on Tuesday, May 21 and Tuesday, May 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to set up an appointment and bring along their specified adult.
This program requires the child and adult/guardian attending with the child interested to be at least twenty-one years old to complete the necessary paperwork and submit it to the Ridgway-Elk County Chamber of Commerce by Monday, June 10 at 4 p.m.
There will be a limit of 15 applications accepted and 15 loans granted, and applicants may not already have an existing business.
The committee, who consists of Buehler and Board President Michelle Bogacki along with another individual to be determined, will review all applications submitted for approval, and notifications of approval will be issued on Friday, June 14.
When approved, the applicant will receive $100 to invest in their business.
For the repayment of the loan, each small business is required to be a vendor in the Flavors of Fall Festival on Saturday, September 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and responsible for paying the associated fee, setting up their booth, stocking it with their product, and selling the product.
There will be a second meeting hosted by Buehler and Goode on event prep where loan recipients and their specified adult will learn how to be
an effective vendor, booth prep, displays, things to expect as a vendor and perspective from an experienced Flavors of Fall vendor.
Home baked and prepared perishable food items will not be eligible for the program due to food prep regulations and additional certifications required for sale.
The Ridgway-Elk County Chamber of Commerce and others assisting in fostering this loan program have shown a strong commitment to investing in our youth and shaping a path for the future in their eventual long-term aspirations.