Business support for a summer entrepreneurship program (Phoenix, Glendale: credit, YMCA)

[mr.bond]

Hi I'm currently a junior in high school living in the West Valley. I want to attend a summer month long seminar at the University of Southern California for entrepreneurship to expand my knowledge of business. The problem is it is sort of expensive and I don't have the money to do it.

It counts for 3 college credits and it will help me make contacts and broaden my horizons and knowledge of business.

I've been in contact with someone at USC and he has suggested local groups and my church. Rotary, YMCA, and my church won't help. Then he suggested the sponsorship of a local business.

I really don't know where to start with that. Does anyone know of a business in the Phoenix/Peoria/Glendale area that would sponsor a student of business in something minimal such as that program? My dad works with AIG and they wouldn't do something like that. I know the economy is bad, but still I need the support. I have the grades to get into the program as well.

Thanks a lot guys,
Steve

[murphy2823]

When I was in high school, I had the same dilemma.

In my case, I approached my high school for fundraisers and stood outside my local supermarket in a shirt and tie selling "stocks" in my future:

I got my principle to agree to let me sell Valentine balloons with a small bag of heart shaped candy and a message for $5, which I delivered to recipients on Valentine’s Day during school (or the day closest). It was a hit. Over the semester I also approached every club in school to hold a fundraiser during their functions.

Basically – as a future entrepreneur, this will a perfect lesson in raising capital; you’re going to need to be creative and persistent. In today’s economy, very few businesses will donate money to an entity that will not allow them a tax write-off (i.e. a non-profit org), but some will probably allow you to set up in front for fundraising (think Girl Scouts)…

My suggestion would be to create a thesis: “Why I want to go to USC for the summer”. Put together a vignette, like at a science fair and sell your dream. .. What are your strengths? What will you learn? How do you plan to apply your new found knowledge? You want passersby to be just as excited as you are about your summer plans.

Anyway – your posting was interesting and I hope I was of some help…. Good luck out there!

[mr.bond]

Thanks a lot, I'll look into fundraising. Hopefully a grant will come up somewhere along the waym maybe.