"robert barnes" young entreneur grant

Mission

“To foster innovation, empower aspiring entrepreneurs, and support the growth of young businesses within the community”

Objectives

  • Help identify suitable and profitable business opportunities and create opportunities for peer to peer and cross generational learning between youth and mid and later stage professionals
  • Expand and grow a vibrant, self-sustaining network of young entrepreneurs and inventors that support the entrepreneurial ecosystem
  • Motivate grant recipients to pursue ongoing business education and actively create opportunities that support and empower the next generation of young entrepreneurs within the community

Summary

The Band of Brothers Augusta Young Entrepreneur Grant Program is designed with the purpose of fostering innovation, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs, and supporting the growth of young businesses within the community. This program recognizes the importance of nurturing the next generation of business leaders and aims to provide financial assistance to young entrepreneurs seeking to turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures.

The B.O.B. Young Entrepreneur Grant is committed to empowering local high school students by offering grant funding to 12 deserving individuals.  To ensure accessibility, the program has an inclusive application process, inviting students from diverse backgrounds and fields of interest to submit their business proposals.  Using a transparent and merit-based selection criteria, the B.O.B. will can identify the most promising entrepreneurial ideas.  Once the recipients are chosen, the grant funds will be disbursed, providing crucial financial support to these young visionaries as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, fostering innovation, and contributing to the growth of the local business ecosystem.

By offering grants, the program not only provides crucial financial support but also acts as a catalyst for encouraging creativity and ambition among the youth. The overarching goal is to contribute to the economic vitality of the community by investing in the potential of young minds, ultimately creating a thriving environment for entrepreneurship and sustainable business development. Through this initiative, the Band of Brothers Augusta seeks to inspire and uplift the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a culture of innovation and success.

Young Entrepreneur Grant Opportunity

Overview: The Band of Brothers Augusta Young Entrepreneur Grant is a unique opportunity for high school seniors who have demonstrated academic potential, leadership, and a passion for pursuing a career in entrepreneurship. This scholarship aims to support students with a GPA of 2.8 or higher who are eager to build innovative businesses and contribute to their communities. By providing financial assistance and mentorship, the Band of Brothers Augusta seeks to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must be senior in a Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) school.
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 2.8.
  • Must have a strong interest in pursuing a career in entrepreneurship.
  • Open to all students, with a preference for applicants involved in leadership activities, community service, or extracurricular entrepreneurship-related endeavors.

Scholarship Requirements:

  1. 2-3 Page Business Proposal: Applicants are required to submit a well-thought-out business proposal that clearly explains their entrepreneurial idea or business concept. The proposal should outline the vision, market opportunity, target audience, and potential impact of the business.
    • Proposal Guidelines:
      • Executive Summary: A concise overview of the business idea and its objectives.
      • Business Description: Details about the product or service, how it solves a problem or meets a need, and the potential benefits for the target market.
      • Market Research & Analysis: An understanding of the target market, competition, and customer needs.
      • Financial Plan: Basic projections of startup costs, potential revenue, and a sustainability plan.
      • Implementation Timeline: Key milestones and steps to launch the business.
      • Potential Impact: How this business will create positive change or contribute to the community.
  1. Elevator Pitch Video (60-90 Seconds): Applicants must submit a short video of themselves delivering a professional and convincing elevator pitch. This should be a compelling and concise presentation of the business idea, designed to spark interest and convince potential investors or partners. The pitch should:
    • Clearly explain what the business is and what it aims to achieve.
    • Highlight why the idea is unique and what problem it addresses.
    • Show passion and enthusiasm for the entrepreneurial venture.

Evaluation Rubric:

CriteriaWeightDescriptionScore Range
Business Proposal Quality40%Clear, comprehensive, and innovative business idea with well-supported details.1-10
Market Research & Feasibility20%Understanding of target audience, competition, and market dynamics.1-10
Financial Plan10%Realistic projections of financial needs and potential revenue.1-10
Elevator Pitch Presentation20%Clear, confident, and persuasive delivery within the time limit (60-90 seconds).1-10
Creativity & Innovation10%Originality and creativity in the business concept.1-10

Total Score:

  • Score Range: 5-50 points

  • Score Breakdown:

    • 40-50 Points: Outstanding submission, highly recommended for scholarship.

    • 30-39 Points: Strong submission, eligible for scholarship consideration.

    • 20-29 Points: Needs improvement, may require further work for scholarship eligibility.

    • Below 20 Points: Ineligible for the scholarship.

Selection Process:

  • Applications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of Band of Brothers and the Juneteenth Augusta Committee members.

  • The recipient(s) will be selected based on total evaluation score.

  • Grant funds will be awarded directly to the recipient’s bank institution or used to open an account in the proposed business name for the grantee.

  • The grant winner will be announced during the Juneteenth Augusta Festival, where they will be recognized on stage in front of the community.

Submission Details:

  • Deadline: Jotform applications and all required materials must be submitted by June 1st.

Awards & Benefits:

  • Scholarship Amount: $1,000

  • Financial Support – Provides funding to help launch or grow your business.

  • Recognition & Credibility – Establishes you as a promising young entrepreneur.

  • Mentorship & Networking – Connects you with experienced business leaders and potential investors.

  • Empowerment & Growth – Encourages innovation and business development.

Apply Now