Juma Ventures is thrilled to announce the successful launch of its youth-focused Entrepreneurship Curriculum, a comprehensive six-part workshop series that aims to equip young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to start their own businesses. This curriculum was developed in response to the growing interest among youth in exploring entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Thanks to the support from The Walther Foundation, Juma was able to pilot the program in Spring 2024, with 30 young people from across the San Francisco Bay Area participating.
The Entrepreneurship Curriculum consists of four core workshops: “Intro to Entrepreneurship,” “Intro to Digital Entrepreneurship,” and “Getting Started in Entrepreneurship,” Parts One and Two. These workshops covered essential topics such as leadership skills for entrepreneurs, digital entrepreneurship, common resources needed, and how to access them.
A highlight of the program was the culminating event, where participants pitched their business ideas to a panel of local business leaders, including two Juma alumni who are business owners. The diversity of ideas was inspiring, ranging from screen printing businesses and photography services to fitness training and virtual thrift shops. These creative ideas, driven by the participants’ passions and interests, reflect the entrepreneurial spirit that the curriculum fosters.
Juma’s Entrepreneurship Curriculum goes beyond traditional business education by leveraging Juma’s network of business leaders, particularly entrepreneurs of color, to mentor and inspire youth. The inclusion of entrepreneurs of color in panel discussions offered youth the chance to learn from individuals who share their backgrounds and experiences, providing relatable role models and encouraging them to pursue their business dreams with confidence.
This entrepreneurship initiative aligns with Juma’s broader mission to support youth in achieving financial independence and long-term career success. While the focus has expanded to include digital entrepreneurship, Juma’s existing small business, Steep—a youth-managed boba tea and ice cream operation—will continue to play a key role as a live case study within the curriculum. Steep not only offers youth real-world management experience but also reinforces the lessons learned in the workshops.
Looking ahead, Juma plans to continue refining the Entrepreneurship Curriculum based on youth feedback and expand the program to reach more young people interested in building their own businesses. By providing these vital resources, Juma Ventures is empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs who are ready to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
