By Jace Henderson at The Neshoba Democrat

Some local kids already have ideas for their own businesses. Neshoba Now!’s new Entrepreneur Club is helping them turn those ideas into reality.

The club held its first meeting on Monday at The Ellis Theater, bringing together students in grades 3-12 to learn about entrepreneurship and build skills that can help them in the future.

Director of Education Krissy Long said the club was created to give local youth a free, productive opportunity to express themselves.

She wants kids learn that hard work and taking risks are part of building something of their own.

“I hope they learn that hard work comes with a great prize at the end,” Long said. “But also, when you have an idea, somebody telling you no doesn’t mean you have to stop. Keep going!”

During the first meeting, students learned about three types of businesses: retail, service, and investment.

Long used a package of Oreos to make the lesson about money more relatable, teaching them how costs affect pricing and ultimately determine profit.

Students then put their communication skills to work by interviewing local entrepreneurs participating in the meeting.

They spoke with representatives from Dunkington, Crème de la Crème Promotions, Steve’s on the Square, and The Local Authority, as well as Arthur Harwood and Shawn Byars.

Long said several students already have business ideas, including fried apple pies, a farm stand, 3D-printed animals, and basketball lessons.

The club will give kids an opportunity to put their ideas into practice through a flea market planned for November, where they can sell products or advertise their services.

The club will meet every other Monday and lessons will continue between meetings through research assignments.

When one student asked, “Is research only on the computer?” Long explained that even talking with business owners and hearing about their experiences counts as research.

Long said she hopes the program ultimately gives kids the confidence to walk into a room and carry on a conversation with adults. She also wants them to understand that mistakes are part of the process.

“There are so many resources in our community to help them start their businesses,” Long said. “Even when they think they can’t, they absolutely can. Hopefully, through the Entrepreneur Club with Neshoba Now!, we can help them get in contact with those resources.”