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However, there is a difference. In both cases, the business realizes $100,000 of sales and re-spends it in the local economy. However, in the latter case, consumers also spend $100,000 locally that they otherwise would have had to spend outside the community to import apples.
Every time a community chooses to import an item it could just as easily make for itself, it is giving away another piece of its multiplier.
Finally, a self-reliant community enjoys greater tax receipts. Again, the business taxes from the $100,000 exporter and the $100,000 import-replacer are identical.
To satisfy the need for a new model of community-focused entrepreneurial education for Black youth, Rightbrain Initiative, Ikoja, and Weed and Seed launched Streets University.
Streets University is a youth entrepreneurial education program taught by experienced facilitators with both academic and industry experience. It consist of six weekly 4-hour classes, designed to transfer basic business know-how , as well as, teach Black youth about products genuinely needed by the Black community, treating employees properly and bringing economic control to the community. The series includes a business-learning workbook that gives practical, hands-on, how-to instructions and email address for each student. A typical class consists of the business lesson, cultural impact, and workshop and group breakout sessions.
This article has discussed the need for and lessons learned from youth entrepreneurship education for Black youth.
In conclusion, a new model of youth entrepreneurship education, Streets University, has been developed. It comes from the collaborative efforts of Rightbrain Initiative, Ikoja, Weed and Seed, Black entrepreneurs, community-focused activists, and philanthropists. The new model addresses the need for more entrepreneurial education for Black youth, the What, How and Who quality of community attributes and moves toward self–reliance.
Please help build a better tomorrow for our children and community by supporting Streets University with your encouragement, sponsorships, and resources.
- See related article in the Dallas Morning News.
- Known for his keen insight and organizational skills, Lawrence Spearman has been a practicing problem solver in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex for over 10 years.
- Reprinted by permission from Rightbrain Initiative
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