BuddingPreneurs
Bootcamp, in-depth program nurture confidence, youth entrepreneurship
Planting and cultivating the seeds of youth entrepreneurship are at the core of Tone Conley’s BuddingPreneurs program.
Launched in 2023, BuddingPreneurs’ mission is to build confidence, spark creativity and awaken an entrepreneurial spirit in youth in the Michigan City region. The program guides young community members through what it takes to start a business from the idea to initial steps.
“Entrepreneurs are vital because they bring growth and innovation to our communities,” he said. “Many kids want to be entrepreneurs, but don’t even know where to start.
“Just imagine if there was a platform that gave many of them that boost – or motivation – to keep going. Things would be so much better.”
The young entrepreneurs receive hands-on, guided experience with pop-up shops in Michigan City that allow the kids and teens to display their products and ideas as well as connect with the community. Financial literacy is another facet of the program.
Tone and his team hosted their first youth BuddingPreneurs entrepreneurial bootcamp over the summer for two weeks of activities, conversations, field trips, and introduction to resources and tools as well as a Shark Tank-type final wrap-up. Participants were exposed to topics such as creating a vision board, having confidence in your business idea, pitching your business, marketing and social media, identifying target markets and discovering your passion.
“Many kids haven’t been exposed to the role of entrepreneur,” he said. “They don’t understand how the ideas that they sit and daydream about daily can truly become reality. Our community leaders need to ensure youth are given the exposure to the concept and resources to work toward their goals.”
Tone, an event planner and entrepreneur himself, strives to be a mentor and guide for future business owners.
“I hope I’m making an impact by inspiring and leading by example the best way that I can,” he said. “These are our future leaders, and I hope the seed planted sprouts into a positive growth for the next generation.
“Supporting entrepreneurs is vital – it gives them that push to keep going. Without support it’s hard for us to keep going.”
A Michigan City native, Tone also serves as a member of the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City board and participates in Vibrant Michigan City, a community-centered economic inclusion initiative that aims to bolster areas of the city through a playbook filled with agenda items. Tone has also participated in the initiative’s Neighborhood Leadership Academy.