NFTE blog

An interesting discussion and focus on the teaching of entrepreneurship is underway this week. The Wall Street Journal asks in an article “Can Entrepreneurship be Taught?” The debate is focused on what better prepares an entrepreneur, education or real world experience.

NFTE’s 2012 Winter Newsletter is now available. Find out how some NYC summer program students continue getting lessons in entrepreneurship and the reason they’re busy preparing for the month of April.

During today’s White House Science Fair, President Obama recognized the work of NFTE and of Hayley Hoverter, winner of the 2011 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, presented by MasterCard Worldwide.

Hayley Hoverter, NFTE’s 2011 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge winner, will participate in the White House Science Fair tomorrow, Tuesday, February 7.  Sweet (dis)SOLVE , Hayley’s creation, is a beverage sweetener made from organic sugar wrapped, not in paper, but in a soluble organic starch that melts into your drink without adding calories, odor or taste.

Ten hardworking NFTE South Florida students and their teacher met Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on January 26.  Secretary Duncan honored the Miami Edison Senior High School students for winning NFTE’s World Series of Innovation with their businesses E*Pride and 300 Calories or Less.

Two NFTE alumni, Kyle Wong (Brooklyn, NY) and Ariell Buckingham (Chicago), and NFTE President and CEO Amy Rosen are participating in the Global Competitiveness Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 21 to 25.

Social Entrepreneurs are in the spotlight a lot these days.  They value creating social solutions more than traditional profits.  Plus, it’s easier than ever with Facebook, Twitter or Google+ for social entrepreneurs to target customers who share similar passions.   Are for-benefit companies the future, will they face issues competing with larger more traditional businesses, or is there room for all types of entrepreneurs in the marketplace?

NFTE is excited announce the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Alumni Fund.  Ernst & Young has pledged to match $300,000 in donations to NFTE during the next three years.  This commitment by E&Y is in honor of the more than 8,000 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year ® award winners.

Entrepreneurship isn’t without risk.  Apply all the learning moments from 2011 to make your entrepreneurial spirit and business flourish in 2012.  The focus could be on keeping better records, staying focused on executing ideas or taking the time to mentally relax (chances are you’ll be more productive). 

If you’ve long forgotten those resolutions made a mere 11 days ago use this as a time to give pause.  A number of people are ready to help.