The Gwinnett County Public Library congratulates the winners of its recent Teen Entrepreneurship Program.

With more than 60% of teens considering entrepreneurship, the Gwinnett County Public Library Learning Labs launched a Teen Entrepreneurship pilot program in 2023 to provide next-generation leaders with resources to develop small businesses.

31 area teens applied for the program. The Learning Labs selected 10 participants.

The program consisted of a 4-day intensive workshop held on February 15 through teaching teens entrepreneurial skills to create economic opportunities. Participants had to come up with a business concept, develop a small business plan, and execute a pitch presentation to a panel of judges.

The winners were:

Paola Luquin (1st place, $250)

Jazlynn Dunn (2nd place, $175)

Sophie Alverado (3rd place, $75)

Participants were mentored by:

Stephanie Sokenis, SmallBiz Ally owner and Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center manager Terry Wells, Press4ward Group owner

Petition Competition Judges:

Bobbi Menneg, Beyond the Ribbon Inc. founder

Catherine Hardwick, Gwinnett Chatt Outreach board member

Steven Dao, President of the Georgia Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce

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.

The Learning Labs hope to hold another Teen Entrepreneurship Program soon.

For more information, visit our website or email us at learninglabs@gwinnettpl.org