By Josh Cross
Atascadero Chamber CEO
Over the past few weeks, our dedicated Chamber team and I have had the privilege of working closely with the bright young minds in our community as part of our Jr. CEO Program. Our goal? To equip these budding entrepreneurs with foundational business skills and inspire them to embark on their entrepreneurship journey! At the Chamber, we firmly believe in sharing knowledge that paves the way for our kids’ future success, ensuring they have the tools they need to chase their dreams and become the future leaders of our community. In a short while, their hard work will come to fruition as they launch their first businesses later this month.
But before we dive into the exciting details, let me provide a brief overview of what the Jr. CEO Program entails. This six-week digital course is geared toward youth aged 6-16 and is designed to help grow their entrepreneurial spirit. It covers five vital categories: Business Fundamentals, Cost Models, Safety & Food Prep, Marketing & Customer Service, and Money Management. Each session was guided by myself and featured insights from a local business leader as a guest speaker. All of this was made accessible to our community’s youth at a remarkably affordable rate of $25 per student or $40 per family.
The moment we’ve all been eagerly awaiting is nearly here — Business Day! Our talented students have poured their hearts into developing their businesses; we couldn’t be prouder. We invite you and our entire community to join us at Sunken Gardens on March 24 for Business Day! Come out from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., show your support, explore their creations, and shop around. Let these young entrepreneurs know they’re doing a fantastic job. They’re the future of our community!
Before I wrap up, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made this program a reality. From the parents who trusted the program and enrolled their children to the businesses that graciously shared their expertise as guest speakers and the unwavering support of our incredible community that shared about the program with everyone they knew, you’ve all been instrumental in our success. A special thank you goes out to our local business sponsors who helped make this program possible: Better Business Bureau, Carmel & Naccasha LLP Attorneys At Law, Gannage Design & Construction, Kiwanis Club of Atascadero, RA Architects & Engineers, and the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. Together, we’ve created a program that empowers our youth.
December New Chamber Members
Beautiful Feet Books
bfbooks.com
Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County
SLObigs.org
Deer Creek Vacation Rental
airbnb.com/h/deer-creek-ranch
Dewy Rose Clothing
dewyroseclothing.com
Embrace Wellness
embracewellness805.com
Firestone Walker Brewing, Inc.
firestonewalker.com
Helping Soldiers in the Desert
helpingsoldiersinthedesert.org
I Dream to Cater
ilovetocater.com
Jonny Boy’s Bagelry and Jewish Delicatessen
instagram.com/jonnyboysbagelry
Lady and the Stamp (Mobile Notary)
yelp.com/biz/lady-and-the-stamp-atascadero
Mary Kay Consultants, Karla Murray
marykay.com/kmurray6
MGP Coatings
mattgiffordpainting.com
The Floral Parlor
thefloralparlor.com
HBA Members
Atascadero Web Design
atascaderowebdesign.com
Beuno Diaz Mexican Grill
instagram.com/chefluigi805
Fuego Rosticeria
ilovefuego.com
Grapevine Catering
grapevine.catering
Upcoming Events & Programs:
*Register for events at atascaderochamber.org or call (805) 466-2044
Business Day — Jr. CEO Program
Sunday, March 20 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Sunken Gardens, 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero
Support our kids! The students enrolled in our Jr. CEO Program will share their first business with the community on March 20, during Business Day in the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero. Come out and check out all of their creative and innovative businesses!
This event is open to the public and is free.
Membership Mixer
Thursday, March 21 | 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Location: TBD
Join us for this month’s Membership Mixer on February 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This will be an exceptional opportunity to connect with local business leaders and engage with our remarkable community! Enjoy music and complimentary bites and drinks.
Free For Members
$10 For Non-Members
2024 — Central Coast Wine Passport
Looking for the perfect gift for your wine-enthusiast friends and family? Give them a 2024 Central Coast Wine Passport! Enjoy complimentary tastings, one per location, at 50+ wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries, olive oil tastings, and more. You’ll also receive complimentary corkage fees at participating restaurants and discounts on local hotel stays.
Purchase your passport at atascaderochamber.org/wine-passport.
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