Empowering
Tomorrow's
Entrepreneurs

A free, virtual 8-week entrepreneurship experience for students—built to turn ideas into real offers through hands-on learning, mentorship, and a final pitch.

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OUR MISSION

We turn Dreamers into Doers

Most entrepreneurship programs teach concepts, case studies, and strategy, but they don’t get students into motion. Writing a business plan is not creating a business. Taking an idea, putting it into action, offering something to a real person, and learning from the response - that’s what creates an entrepreneur.

That’s what this free, virtual program is designed to do. Students don’t just learn entrepreneurship, they practice it. Week after week, they test ideas, talk to customers, make offers, and get feedback through games, mini-challenges, and real-world action. Those small, consistent actions, like making the call or asking for the sale, expand their comfort zone and turn experience into confidence and capability.

Our Flagship Youth Program

A free, virtual 8-week program designed to move from idea to offer.

Students learn to spot opportunities, solve problems, test ideas with real customer feedback, and launch their first offer—culminating in a final pitch, reflection, and celebration.

We are offering 2 virtual 8-week courses - each limited to just 25 students per cohort.

  • Cohort 1: Ages 12-15
  • Cohort2: Ages 15-18

Courses begin the week of June 8, 2026 and classes will be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with multiple time options to fit busy schedules.

This is more than just a course - it's an opportunity to build entrepreneurial skills, confidence, leadership, and real-world business knowledge.

One standout winner will receive personal mentorship from Kevin Harrington — an opportunity to be guided 1 on 1 by a legendary entrepreneur and original Shark Tank investor.

Spots are extremely limited and expected to fill quickly, so apply now to secure your place in this program.

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View the 8-week journey

Educational Partner

Designed in partnership with:

Emily French

Julie Bennett

Emily and Julie from Lemonade Standers™ designed the youth-centered curriculum and game-based methodology that powers the program. Together with the Harrington Foundation, we create a learning experience where students build by doing.

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100% hands-on learning

30+ practice steps

8+ interactive games

Measurable Outcomes

What students create.

Students complete a hands-on Business Plan Portfolio and deliver a final pitch—building confidence, communication, and entrepreneurial identity along the way.

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• Documented Goal

• Concept Validation

• Branding Kit

• Marketing Strategy

• Mission & Vision

• Customer Profile

• Pricing Worksheet

• Pitch Script + Video

Skills That Last

Direct skills, indirect skills, and identity growth.

Direct Skill Development

Foundational skills students use to build, communicate, and problem-solve.

• Problem Solving

• Ideation

• Creativity

• Collaboration

• Critical Thinking

• Communication

Indirect Skill Development

Personal growth skills built through repetition, feedback, and real practice.

• Consistency

• Experimenting

• Camera Presence

• Trying / Perserverance

• Giving & Receiving Feedback

Becoming Entrepreneurs

Students build an identity rooted in action, observation, and opportunity.

• Action Takers

• Pattern Spotters

• Opportunity Makers

The 8-week Virtual Journey

A clear path from idea to pitch.

Each week, students focus on building certain skill sets, all culminating in a final pitch.

Week 1

Everything Is a Pitch

Every conversation about your business is a pitch—clear problem and value communication moves a business forward.

Week 2

Goal Setting & Future Self

Document goals and build a future from who you’re becoming—often with an identity shift along the way.

Week 3

Problem Definition, Ideation & Decision

Opportunities are everywhere—spot patterns, identify gaps, and choose a real problem to solve.

Week 4

Customer & Market Research

Validate ideas through feedback, target market clarity, and testing willingness to pay.

Week 5

Pricing, Profit & Money Models

Price with purpose—consider value created, customer input, and the cost of making your product.

Week 6

Branding & Marketing

Find your voice and connect with customers—build recognition and share your offer with confidence.

Week 7

Pitching

It’s not just what you’re selling—it’s how you sell it and how to communicate to customers or investors.

Week 8

Final Pitch, Reflection & Celebration

Present your progress, reflect on growth, and celebrate—this is the end of the program and the beginning of the journey.

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The weekly brakdown

Learning in rhythm.

Every week follows a purposeful rhythm — live instruction, independent action, real-time support, and reflection.

Monday

Lessons & Skill-Building | Live Session, Both Cohorts

1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST

Both cohorts come together for Monday's live session. Expect structured lessons, games, and interactive experiences built around the week's entrepreneurship theme. This is where students gain new knowledge and tools they'll put to work throughout the week.

Tuesday

Take Action | Independent Work

No live session — this day belongs to the student. Tuesday is all about taking action: applying what was learned on Monday directly to their own business. Students should research, plan, build, write, or create. The goal is momentum.

Wednesday

Questions, Feedback & Help | Live Session, This Cohort

Cohort 1 (Ages 12–14): 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST
Cohort 2 (Ages 15–18): 2:30 PM EST / 11:30 AM PST

Wednesday sessions are built around what students actually worked on. Come with questions, bring your progress, and expect honest feedback. Instructors are here to help students troubleshoot challenges, go deeper on concepts, and get unstuck. This is the most hands-on session of the week.

Thursday

Keep Going | Independent Work

Another independent day — and an important one. Armed with Wednesday's feedback, students keep taking action. Try something new, apply what you heard, push further. The emphasis is on persistence: keep building, keep experimenting, keep moving forward.

Friday

Collaboration, Reflection & Hot Seats | Live Session, This Cohort

Cohort 1 (Ages 12–14): 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST
Cohort 2 (Ages 15–18): 2:30 PM EST / 11:30 AM PST

Fridays bring the week full circle. Students share what they built, celebrate wins, and support one another. Hot seats give select students the chance to present their business and receive real-time feedback from the group and instructors. It is also a moment to reflect: what worked, what did not, and what to carry into next week.

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Become a Mentor

Help Guide the Next Generation of Doers

We are seeking passionate entrepreneurs and professionals to join our Young Entrepreneurs Educational Program as mentors this summer. Our students don’t just learn concepts; they build real businesses, and your guidance can be the catalyst that turns their ideas into reality.

Commitment Details:

  • Duration: 8 Weeks (Starting the week of June 8, 2026).

  • Consistency: Meet with your mentee at least once a week.

  • Format: 30-minute virtual mentorship sessions via Zoom.

  • Impact: Provide feedback on weekly milestones, from concept validation to the final pitch.

Your expertise is the bridge between a student’s ambition and their success. Help us turn "Dreamers into Doers."

Apply to be a Mentor

Get to know us

Our Team.

Director

Wendy Latorre

A St. Petersburg native and Eckerd College graduate, Wendy brings decades of experience in strategic planning, marketing, and business development alongside Kevin Harrington. She has a long history of supporting organizations including the Museum of Fine Arts, Morean Arts Center, Academy Prep, A Kid’s Place, The Bullard Foundation and many more. Wendy is passionate about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Marekting

Amanda Harrington

Amanda Harrington brings over a decade of expertise in digital marketing, specializing in direct response and growth strategies. With a background in Marketing and International Business with specialization in digital marketing, she is a creative strategist who produces compelling content and managed campaigns for 8 figure brands driving digital transformation and revenue growth across diverse industries. Her leadership drives unparalleled results, recognized by exclusive groups like Facebook Disruptors for campaign performance and creative innovation.

Veteran Affairs

Jason Teabout

Jason Teabout is a United States Army veteran with more than 20 years of distinguished service in military criminal investigations, interrogation, and investigative leadership. A St. Petersburg, Florida native and graduate of Dixie Hollins High School, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Park University.

Legal

Shannon Pennock

Shannon Pennock has dedicated her law practice to helping the  wrongfully injured seek justice and accountability.  To this end,  Shannon advocates for her clients in both state and federal courts.Shannon currently represents personal injury clients in state and  federal court, and is also actively involved in national pharmaceutical  and environmental litigations.

Advisor

Joshua Paul Hooks

Joshua Paul Hooks is a serial entrepreneur and consultant known for scaling startups into nationally recognized brands. As the founder of Iconic Brand Group, Joshua helps founders and investors transform ideas into high-growth ventures by combining operational systems, creative marketing, and global market strategy. His career includes consulting for startups and Fortune 500 companies alike, guiding them through product development, branding, and U.S. market entry. Driven by family, community, and a passion for building impactful businesses, Joshua brings a rare mix of visionary leadership and hands-on execution to every project he touches.

Advisor

Sorboni Banerjee

Sorboni Banerjee is Vice President of Bronzite Media, where she leads narrative strategy and content development at the intersection of media, storytelling, and emerging technology. An Emmy Award–winning television news anchor turned author and media strategist, she has spent more than two decades building community, and helping audiences understand complex ideas through clear, compelling storytelling.

Advisor

Dylan Dubois

Dylan Dubois is a strategic and results-driven business leader with a proven track record in scaling national healthcare operations, cultivating high-value partnerships, and delivering operational excellence. As an Operating Partner at LCS7, he leverages deep expertise in business development and operational strategy to help both emerging and established companies grow, scale, and exit successfully.

Advisor

Brian Harrington

Brian Harrington is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Big Brand Ventures, where he leads growth strategy, venture partnerships, and equity-driven expansion across a diversified portfolio of companies. An experienced entrepreneur and operator, Brian works alongside founders to scale product and service-based businesses across consumer products, education, marketing, technology, and emerging industries.

Community Relations

Robert Blackmon

Advisor

Tim Harrington

Partners & Collaborators

Made possible through collaboration.

Our partners and collaborators make it possible for us to provide this program for free. We work with organizations committed to youth opportunity, real-world learning, and entrepreneurial growth.