Garner Launches Youth Entrepreneurship Program

Garner, NC—High school students in Garner showed that entrepreneurship is not just for adults. Two students from Garner Magnet and South Garner high schools participated in the first ever Garner Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow (GET) program in late April of this year.

The Garner Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) worked with, Operation36 Golf, Matt Davis State Farm, and the Career Development Coordinators at the community’s local high schools to implement the GET program. While the program was originally meant to be held in-person, due to the restrictions of the pandemic, the program was held virtually.

"Garner has a great history of entrepreneurship and small business owners," GEDC Chair Jeff Swain said. “It was the GEDC’s pleasure to support a program that helps to ensure that our community is inspiring future entrepreneurs and, in return, Garner remains a place where small business ideas can grow in to successful companies.”

Students worked over three months to identify a business idea, craft a business plan, and then pitch their business idea to a group of judges. As a reward for participating in the program, each student received a laptop courtesy of the GEDC.

“We believe that the students that participated in this program will leave knowing that they have a community behind them willing to assist in helping make their business ideas come to fruition,” said Garner Economic Development Director Joe Stallings. “We hope that this will not be the last step in the student’s entrepreneurial journey .”

“The GET program was an idea that several folks had been working on for a couple years and to see it come to fruition and showcase some amazing talented students in our two high schools was a great experience,” said Matt Davis panelist and program committee member. “I cannot wait to see what year 2 brings!”

Lisa Daughenbaugh, GMHS Career Development Coordinator commented that, "The level of work that the students did to prepare and present their idea to the judges and hearing the passion that they had for their idea, confirmed to me that this is a great program for our students," .

“The students at South Garner High really benefited from this program,” said Tim Walker SGHS Career Development Coordinator. “Entrepreneurship is one of our four E’s at South Garner High School. The GET Program fits perfectly with our vision of preparing our students to be Employed at a reputable business, Enrolled at a 2 or 4 year college or university, Enlisted into a branch of the military, and/or on a path to start their own business as an Entrepreneur after high school. I’m really appreciative and thankful to provide this opportunity for our students through the help of the GEDC.”

The course program was provided by Matthew Reagan CEO of Operation36 Golf, a local technology company that services the golf industry. Mr. Reagan provided instructional videos the students could watch to help them with crafting their business plan and pitch.

"It was a pleasure to play a small part in the GET Program,” said Matthew Reagan. “The world needs more entrepreneurs, and students need guidance on how they can take their passion and bring it to life. I was blown away by the creativity of the students and their presentations. It made me feel confident for the future that we have young, driven individuals who are going to bring a lot of innovation and passion to positively impact the world."

This program could not have been possible without the support of Operation36 Golf, Matt Davis-State Farm, Tim Walker of South Garner High School, and Lisa Daughenbaugh of Garner Magnet High School, the Garner Economic Development Corporation, and most importantly, the students who participated.

About Garner Economic Development Corporation:

Since its inception in 2010, the Garner Economic Development Corporation (GEDC), an economic development non-profit, has been committed to improving the quality of life for all Garner residents through the recruitment and retention of quality employers, support and encouragement of entrepreneurship, and marketing the Garner community as a great place to locate a business and raise a family. For more information on the GEDC, please go to choosegarnernc.com.

For more information regarding economic development in the Town of Garner, contact Joe Stallings at jstallings@garnernc.gov.

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