Teens Creating Economic Opportunity (Teen C.E.O.)

Teens Creating Economic Opportunity (Teen C.E.O.), provides Genesee County youth the opportunity to take a business idea and develop it into a business plan.

Photo of Teen CEO Participants with Mott Community College President Dr. Beverly Walker-GriffeaTeen C.E.O. participants with MCC President, Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea in downtown Flint

The program focuses on entrepreneurial skills, abilities and attitudes; and prepares participants for what is required to become a part of this new economy. The program:

  • Provides an entrepreneurial curriculum that gives participants the necessary skills and competencies needed to operate a business including development of the business plan.
  • Provides participants with an opportunity to gain additional skills needed to operate the particular selected business through mentorship and job shadowing experiences.
  • Develops a Higher Education Career Pathway plan for each participant in the area of business they have identified.

The program is for youth ages 14-18 and runs from June through August. Participants meet four days per week, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with breakfast and lunch provided.

A “Showcase” event culminates the program providing the students an opportunity to display their businesses to friends, family, area business owners and the public.

Core elements of this program include:

  • Developing a business plan
  • Creating marketing strategies
  • Team building
  • Conflict Management
  • Developing a budget
  • Developing work ethics
  • Opportunity to launch business

Eligibility Requirements:

  • 14-18 years old
  • Genesee County Resident
  • Parent or Guardian must accompany youth to mandatory orientation session
Photo of Teen participants engaging with business patronsTeen participants engaging with business patrons

Please call (810) 232-2555 for more information on this program.

This initiative is made possible with funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Photo of Teen participants presenting business model SneakergeeksTeen participants presenting business model "Sneakergeeks"
Photo of Utilizing the FABLab on the main campus for prototype designUtilizing the FABLab on the main campus for prototype design
Photo of Utilizing the FABLab on the main campus for prototype designGuidance from instructors in the FABLab
Photo of Utilizing the FABLab on the main campus for prototype designUtilizing the FABLab on the main campus for prototype design