From July 15th to 26th, Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation (GNEC) proudly launched its third annual Summer Entrepreneurship Institute Showcase in partnership with Seton Hall University, a program designed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within high school students across Northern New Jersey.
Sponsored by Wells Fargo, this year’s showcase was nothing short of inspiring. Thirty talented students from fifteen high schools came together for a hands-on experience that provided them with the tools, guidance, and confidence needed to take their first steps in the world of business. Under the expert instruction of Victor Salama, Executive Director of GNEC, the program offered a deep dive into the essentials of entrepreneurship, covering everything from idea generation to marketing, financials, and business planning.
The Showcase
The program’s format encouraged collaboration and innovation as students were grouped into teams, where they brainstormed and developed a product prototype. At the end of the program, each team pitched their business concept to an audience of professionals. The winning teams were awarded prizes, but more importantly, all participants walked away with invaluable experience, new skills, and a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in business.
“The students not only had sophisticated ideas and tangible ways to operationalize them but what was most inspirational to me was how much these students wanted to contribute to the greater good,” said Danielle Corea-Smith, Senior Advisor at United Way of Greater Newark. “For the most part, all of the projects incorporated not just a problem to be solved but something that would make their customer’s life better – from healthcare solutions for the elderly to tackling the immense issues of housing insecurity, it was all very humbling to witness. They are a remarkable group, and I was so impressed with how much they learned in such a short time.”
Community Developement : Empowering The Future
Programs like the Summer Entrepreneurship Institute Showcase are at the heart of GNEC’s mission. We’re committed to fostering entrepreneurship in our community, especially among young people who will be the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. By equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need today, we’re helping to ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Wells Fargo for their generous sponsorship, to Seton Hall University for their partnership, and to the dedicated professionals who shared their expertise and time. Most importantly, we congratulate all of the students who participated—you are the future, and we can’t wait to see where your entrepreneurial spirit takes you.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to empower entrepreneurs to build successful businesses and strengthen our communities.
To watch highlights from the Summer Entrepreneurship Showcase, click below.
Learn more about GNEC”s programs and resources for entrepreneurs at gnec.org
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@Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation
This was so much fun to teach! Great group of young people at a great university! Thanks to all the parents, friends and supporters who attended our Showcase event, and of course a big thanks to Wells Fargo for its sponsorship!