Young entrepreneurs had the chance to make their business idea a reality during The Capacitor, a youth entrepreneur program which took place March 24-26 at The Grove in Dallas. 

The three-day workshop welcomed young entrepreneurs, ages 10-18, to attend and work toward developing an idea into a business plan with the help of mentors from successful local companies and schools, according to a release.

The event began with individuals coming together and forming teams based on the four business ideas that were selected. Each team went on to create a business model and a pitch with the help of their mentor.

“It’s amazing what children can do when given the freedom and flexibility to direct themselves with the support of amazing mentors.” 

Aaron Yang

By Sunday, the teams had perfected their pitches to present to a panel of judges. The winning team, Crocodili Clip, created a clip that allows young and elderly people to open snack bags with ease, according to a blog post on The Grove’s website. 

The team won $1,000 in funding and continued mentorship. The youth entrepreneurs also earned the chance to present their business plan at the Alt Path conference in April. 

Aaron Yang, director of Alt Path and co-founder of Makarios Community School, created the event with the help of The Grove’s co-owner, Justin Nygren and Mess Wright, founder of Renegades of Code, in the hopes that it would inspire young entrepreneurs to take their idea to the next level.

“It’s amazing what children can do when given the freedom and flexibility to direct themselves with the support of amazing mentors,” Yang said in the release. 

The three-day workshops will be held quarterly, according to the release, and a weeklong summer camp will be held for the winning team from each workshop. 

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