Ashley Scheideman: Why global entrepreneurship begins at home

A fierce entrepreneurial spirit is indispensable in helping societies around the globe flourish. There is no substitute for spotting an opportunity, seizing the moment, and creating value for society. No moment is too small to make a difference.

This month, thousands of events and competitions in 160 countries will mark Global Entrepreneurship Week. In Wichita, it’s a chance to celebrate the businesses being built in the city, to plug into a supportive community, and to push onward to greater achievement.

There is no better time or place to instill the entrepreneurial spirit than in our schools. Too many high school students are not taught the knowledge and skills to become entrepreneurial thinkers and lead fulfilling lives as contributing members of society. To fill this gap, Youth Entrepreneurs guides students through a hands-on learning experience where they create and evolve their very own business idea. Since 1991, Youth Entrepreneurs has opened minds and inspired more than 27,000 alumni nationwide.

While the week is a celebration of the risk-takers and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, it is also a reminder of the need for even greater entrepreneurship in Kansas and across the country. There are more than 6 million unfilled jobs alone in the United States, but millions more missed chances to make our communities better places to live. Entrepreneurs are not born; they truly make their own way by first listening to others’ needs and then providing a valuable solution.

Take Victor Lerma, a YE alumnus from North High School, who started a woodworking business thanks to the lessons learned during class. Now, he is following his passion and experimenting with innovative ideas as a member of GoCreate, an 18,000-square-foot makerspace at Wichita State University open to anyone — children, students, professionals, and more. Victor is but one of thousands in YE who have found their calling as an entrepreneur.

Wichitans should take a great deal of pride in their accomplishments. Our local ecosystem for entrepreneurs has never been stronger. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving, and Youth Entrepreneurs is honored to play a role in this community. As entrepreneurs gather around the world this week, we must not only celebrate our accomplishments and progress, but also remember that there is no substitute for hard work, and the work of helping people improve their lives to better the world around us never ends. The path to opportunity begins with a high-quality education, one that not only provides students with the right skills but also the experience to grow, succeed and flourish.

This story was originally published November 16, 2017 at 4:06 AM with the headline "Ashley Scheideman: Why global entrepreneurship begins at home."