By Maddie Joiner
For the Opelika Observer
Is your daughter interested in entrepreneurship? If so, then the Girls S.T.E.P.S Inc. Girl Boss Program is for them. The Girl Boss Program is for girls grades 5-12 who are interested in learning how to start their own business. The program will take place July 13-15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The location has not yet been decided.
Tiffany Gibson-Pitts, president and CEO of Girls S.T.E.P.S said in an email, “Girls will create a business plan, learn how to reserve a name with the state and acquire a business license, be exposed to marketing strategies, insurance needs and learn about business credit and loans.”
The program will be led by several experts in various business topics. The different topics will be discussed by each leader during their session.
Gibson-Pitts created this program to help girls jump into the world of entrepreneurship, which is a mostly male-dominated area.
“It’s important that we expose girls to this opportunity at a young age to let them know that they, too, can own a business,” she said. “Starting with a business plan, we will set the foundation for their business as it lays out their vision and goals.”
During the pandemic, Gibson-Pitts noticed how many people were starting businesses. She also noticed which ones lasted through the pandemic and which ones did not. Gibson-Pitts noticed some businesses were lacking something super important – foundation.
“If there’s no foundation, the longevity of that business continuing is at risk,” she said. “Our goal is to assist young girls with creating an actual business plan and educate them on all that’s needed to effectively run a successful business. They need to know what resources are available to them and how to go about taking advantage of them.”
At the end of the program, participants will pitch their business idea in the “Shark Tank Finale”, to the four sharks, who will be local female entrepreneurs. The winner will be awarded a financial contribution to start their business.
This is the first year of the Girl Boss program and Gibson-Pitts is excited to see the participants become young entrepreneurs.
“I hope that the girls gain a better understanding of what it takes to start a business and how to keep it afloat. I also hope that participants become more comfortable and confident with their public speaking skills,” Gibson-Pitts said.
For more information regarding the program or to register, visit www.gstepsinc.org/. Keep an eye out on the Girls S.T.E.P.S Facebook page for the location announcement.