STATEN ISLAND, NY — Council Member David M. Carr announced Monday that he has secured $200,000 in city funding to expand the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy, a program that teaches local students to launch their own businesses.
The funding will allow YEA! to reach more students across Staten Island and provide additional entrepreneurship opportunities. The academy, established 12 years ago by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Con Edison, guides students through launching actual businesses by the end of the program.
“I am proud to have secured $200,000 in City Council funding to expand the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy,” Carr said. “This is Staten Island’s very own Shark Tank, but with a mentorship component as well for our young people. This gives our children the opportunity to envision the future and get the hands-on experience that they need.”
The program combines curriculum instruction with real-world experience from local business leaders, community members, educators, and entrepreneurs. Each YEA! class aims to help students successfully launch their own businesses.
Linda Baran, president and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, said the funding will expand the program’s impact.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Councilmember Carr for his continued support and belief in the power of youth entrepreneurship,” Baran said. “His $200,000 allocation to support our Young Entrepreneurs Academy will help us equip even more Staten Island students with the tools, confidence, and mentorship they need to turn their ideas into real businesses. This investment strengthens not only our program but the future of Staten Island’s economy.”
The program has produced notable success stories. Earlier this year, Anna Lau, a student at Staten Island Technical High School, won first place at the 11th annual YEA! Investor Panel and earned a $1,500 investment for her business, Snugshi. The company creates heatable, weighted, and portable stuffed animals that are rechargeable for on-the-go pain management.
YEA! is currently accepting new applications through November 30, 2025. Interested students can email info@yeausa.org or call 585-429-0558.
This community news was shared by the organization featured. AI was used in an initial story draft and been review by Advance/SILive.com staff.
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