Palmetto Artisan Program expands business opportunities for Charleston youth
City of Charleston bolsters youth entrepreneurship initiatives
The city of Charleston, in collaboration with consulting firm Community Solutions Consultant LLC, is set to expand its youth entrepreneurship program titled the Palmetto Artisan Program. Renowned for nurturing youth abilities and teaching business skills, the program aims to channel the creative energies of Charleston’s youth into productive outcomes. The expansion intends to extend the scope of the program beyond its famous Palmetto Roses venture.
Inspiring young entrepreneurs
The Palmetto Artisan Program offers year-round opportunities for kids aged 9 to 16 to run their own businesses. Eencompassing mentorship, the program encourages the development of entrepreneurial skills and understanding of economic concepts. In the upcoming summer, the program’s organizers are eagerly planning to introduce new products to help participants further unleash and monetize their creative ideas.
From creating roses to fashioning clothing line, youths like Zihaire Jackson have successfully launched businesses under the program’s guidance. Jackson is now adding a variety of goods like logo-printed shirts and hoodies to his Palmetto Artisan Company.
Aiming for comprehensive business development
Eric Jackson, Co-Manager of Community Solutions Consultant, highlighted the broad-based benefits of the program. The curriculum includes imparting financial management skills to the participants and involving their parents in the process, creating a financial literacy-rich environment. A significant objective is to facilitate each participant with their own LLC. The program currently boasts of 25 active young entrepreneurs.
Boosting local commerce and growth
Businesses set up under the Palmetto Artisan Program can be viewed almost every weekend at Concord and Calhoun Streets, located across from the South Carolina Aquarium, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They also operate a booth at the Charleston City Market. Program organizers emphasized the necessity of vendors and encouraged rose peddlers to join the program for year-round opportunities.
Open for youth applications
Charleston’s youth who are interested in participating and learning practical business skills through the Palmetto Artisan Program can apply by filling out a form available on the official program website.
