Student Start Up
The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking students in grades 6 through 12 interested in starting or expanding a summer business. The Chamber’s Student Start Up was designed to provide students with the real world experience of starting an actual business and expose them to an alternative to being an employee.
“We want to build a community that welcomes entrepreneurs and provides the tools and resources needed to be successful. Through our Student Start Up program we can encourage young entrepreneurs and potentially plant the seeds for start-ups in our community now and in the future.” Sarah Stephens Krupp, Chamber/Small Business Director
Through a grant from the Henry H. Geary Jr. Memorial Foundation, the Chamber will fund 10 Student Start Ups in 2018. Each successful applicant will receive $200 to start or expand their business. All applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on April 26 and successful applicants will be notified by May 10. As a bonus, successful applicants are eligible to receive a $100 bonus if, at the end of the season, they submit a photo of themselves engaged in business as well as a report to the Chamber office no later 4:30 p.m. on August 30. Applications are available online at www.FostoriaOhio.org/SSUP or can be picked up at the Chamber office, 121 N. Main St. in Fostoria.
“We have kept the application process very simple, as we do not want to hinder student participation with a lot of complicated paperwork. The application is a brief questionnaire about their business and a cash flow forecast.” Chamber staff will check in with each student business throughout the course of the summer to lend support and check in on their progress.
The Fostoria Chamber’s Student Start Up program is available to all Fostoria area students, including students attending Fostoria City Schools, St. Wendelin, Arcadia, Hopewell Loudon, Elmwood, New Riegel and Lakota.
For more information on the members, benefits and programs of the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce call 419-435-0486 or email Sarah@FostoriaChamber.com or visit www.FostoriaOhio.org.