Washington State Department of Commerce and the Employment Security Department introduce a new entrepreneurship training resource
Aspiring entrepreneurs have a lot to consider, and those challenges are even greater for teens and young adults. The Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA) was designed to support them from generating big ideas to marketing, managing burnout, and navigating taxes and legal requirements, which can be overwhelming parts of running a business.
YEA is a free, virtual, on-demand business training resource with a self-guided curriculum co-designed by young adult entrepreneurs. The program is specifically tailored for young adults, age 16 to 30, who are ready to explore self-employment and entrepreneurship.
YEA is a collaborative effort between the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Employment Security Department, and the Young Adult Advisory Council. The academy features 10 program units that participants can explore in any order, allowing those who are already running a business to focus on the sections most relevant to them.
How to access the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA)
Participants can access YEA online anytime. The program is free and self-guided, so learners can explore the 10 program units in any order, take the assessments to reinforce learning, and review the workbook for deeper reflection and business planning.
Provide feedback and get involved
For questions, feedback, or to get involved with YEA, please contact Program Manager Nicole Hanson at Nicole.Hanson@esd.wa.gov.
For information on the Youth Initiative, contact the Employment Security Department (ESD) Youth Initiative Manager at ESDGPWorkforceInitiatives@ESD.WA.GOV.