BUSINESS COACHES AND MENTORS

 

Project ECHO business coaches are trained volunteers that work with high school teams to foster and develop a business plan by taking an idea from start to finish.  In this way, we equip the next generation of entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed and empower them to achieve their dreams.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

Our business coaches work one-on-one with high school business teams to help them ideate, research, write, and pitch a business in preparation for the High School Entrepreneurs' Business Plan Competition, which takes place in the Spring of each program year. Coaches can participate in a single mentorship event, serve as subject matter experts, give a presentation, or get assigned to a business team from January through May. Volunteers in person or virtually.

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HOW IT WORKS

Coaches provide assistance and feedback to students as they:

• Brainstorm during the ideation process

• Develop marketing plans and strategies

• Research the product or service market they are targeting

• Determine price points for products and services

• Learn about competitors in their niche

• Review, prepare, and understand financial spreadsheets and budgets

• Prepare and rehearse their pitch for the High School Entrepreneurs’ Business Plan Competition held virtually, or at UCLA Anderson School of Management when it’s safe to return to in-person events.

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YOUR IMPACT

Our business coaches serve as positive role models in these student’s lives and help develop critical thinking skills and a thirst for knowledge.  Since the program’s inception, we’ve seen the teens in our program:

• Improve their grades and increase self-confidence

• Build positive team interactions and cohesive teamwork.

• Increase their interest in school and desire to graduate from high school, attend college, and pursue a specific college-based career.

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