Founded in 2004 at the University of Rochester, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy is a year-long program that enables high school students to generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their very own business.

In 2011, the United States Chamber of Commerce and Campaign for Free Enterprise became a national sponsor and partner of the Academy, which now serves thousands of students across America. Most chapters operate in partnership with a chamber of commerce.

When Young Entrepreneurs Academy leadership wanted to start its first chapter in the State of New Jersey, they contacted the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber.

Young Entrepreneurs Academy Comes to New Jersey

The Chamber is excited to partner with The College of New Jersey to launch the Young Entrepreneurs Academy 30-week program in the fall of 2025. Thirty students from  Mercer County high schools selected through an application process will have an opportunity to become real-life entrepreneurs.

“We knew this would be a great opportunity for the Chamber,” said Gretchen DiMarco, Vice President of Operations for the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber. “Gen Alpha is known to be entrepreneurial. They’re predisposed to making a job rather than taking a job. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy will allow us to harness that spirit of entrepreneurship and strengthen our relationships with the education community.”

The Princeton  Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, will manage all aspects of the program, such as recruiting and coordinating volunteers, securing sponsorships, and collecting tuition.

Through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, students join community business leaders to participate in a variety of business-building activities, such as:

• Weekly classes
• Field trips
• Investor panel
• Trade show
• Media “meet and greet” event
• CEO roundtable

Research from the United States Chamber of Commerce has shown that many young people don’t understand the purpose and value of their local, regional, and state chambers. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy will enable the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber to introduce the chamber concept to the next generation of professionals and entrepreneurs, providing students with hands-on experience and opportunities to grow their networks while still in high school!

How Chamber Members Can Get Involved

“The response to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy from Chamber members has been overwhelmingly positive,” Gretchen said. “People want to volunteer, whether as a mentor, guest speaker, or instructor. We see this program bringing the Chamber community together, which benefits both membership and the students who participate.”

There are three primary ways that Chamber members can get involved.

• Mentors: About halfway through the program, mentors will begin providing students with guidance and feedback on their business concepts, plans, and presentations. Mentors will commit to six weeks for 90 minutes per week.
• Guest Speakers: Guest speakers will come to a class to share their knowledge and experiences with students on a wide range of business topics, from accounting and insurance to marketing and social entrepreneurship.
• Sponsors: Multiple sponsors are needed to support entrepreneurship education in Mercer County, program operations, and students with demonstrated financial need.

“The fact that the Young Entrepreneurs Academy came to the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber to start its first chapter in New Jersey speaks to the value and reputation of our Chamber,” Gretchen said. “We could not be more excited to get this program off the ground, and we encourage Chamber members and the entire business community to support future business leaders during this incredible learning experience.”

Learn more about the Young Entrepreneurs Academy on the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber website!