About

The Gwinnett County Public Library presents RISE, the second annual teen entrepreneurship program. RISE helps Gwinnett County teens develop entrepreneurial skills to create economic opportunities. Participants will receive mentorship from industry professionals, develop a small business plan, and pitch their ideas to a panel of local entrepreneurs in a Shark Tank style competition. Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to apply.

RISE Program

RISE Dates & Times:

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 5 – 7:30 pm
Thursday, February 8, 2024, 5 – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 5 – 7:30 pm
Thursday, February 15, 2024, 5 – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 5 – 7:30 pm
Thursday, February 22, 2024, 5 – 7:30 pm

Pitch Presentation & Awards Ceremony:

Saturday, February 24, 2024 – 10 am – 12 pm

Who Can Apply?

• Gwinnett County Residents
• Teens | Ages 13-19 Years Old
• Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Application Submissions:

Open: Monday, October 9, 2023
Close: Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Apply for RISE here!

Contact

learninglabs@gwinnettpl.org

2023 Teen Entrepreneurship Program

Winners:

Paola Luquin, Chica Fresa Nails – 1st place, $250

Jazlynn Dunn, Jlas Creations – 2nd place, $175

Sophie Alverado, Lashes By Sophi – 3rd place, $75

Read more here...

A special thanks to our 2023 mentors! (Left to right) Stephanie Sokenis, Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center manager and SmallBiz Ally owner and Terry Wells, Press4ward Group owner.

Business Ideas for Teen Entrepreneurs

View over 40 proven business ideas perfect for teens.

Entrepreneurship at the Learning Labs

The Learning Labs are community maker spaces to create, collaborate, and share digital content. Library cardholders 13 years of age and older have access to 8 maker spaces across the county to explore entrepreneurial interests. Our technology includes laser printers, digital cameras, podcasting mixers, sewing machines, software, and more. All of this is industry-leading and FREE! Young entrepreneurs can develop their ideas using our maker spaces, then promote their businesses on free sites like Etsy, Fiverr, Instagram, WordPress, and YouTube.

  • 3D Printers

  • Laser Printers

  • Recording studios

  • Digital Cameras

  • Podcasting Mixers

  • Sewing Machines

  • Adobe Creative Cloud Software

  • Cricut Cutters and more!

Access to our Learning Labs is free with a library card. Out-of-county patrons can purchase a full-access library card for $40 a year.