Who wants to pitch their business idea on the hit TV show Shark Tank?

Shark Tank Young Entrepreneurs JMF

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, JamisonMoneyFarmer’s Bobby Bragg and local businessmen Lee Henderson of Smoothie King and Which Wich Superior Sandwiches helped launch the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!).  Bragg and Henderson have both successfully started their own businesses multiple times and both will serve as instructors in the class.

YEA! is an innovative seven-month program that guides students in grades 6-12 through the process of starting their own real business. The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama is excited to announce the start of the program at the University of Alabama. See related article Where ‘Shark Tank’ Goes to Poach Young Entrepreneurs.  YEA! will be yet another way to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in this community.

YEA! is looking for students, in grades 6-12, who have what it takes to start their own small business with instruction and inspiration from local leaders. YEA! is now accepting applications for the classes, which will be held on The UA campus in the AIME Building from Nov. 2012 to May 2013 each Mon. from 4pm to 7pm. The selection process is competitive and applicants are urged to apply early. Tuition is $395/student, which includes books and supplies. A discount is available for children of UA faculty and Chamber members. Scholarships are also available.

The application is posted at www.tuscaloosachamber.com. Contact Loo Whitfield at 205-391-0563 or loo@tuscaloosachamber.com for more info. Learn more about YEA! at www.yeausa.org or watch this video below.