Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with Orange Hearts for Makenzi Foundation in support of a new training program to support young entrepreneurs.
Makenzi Ridley was tragically killed in the summer of 2021 shortly after her high school graduation. Makenzi was an entrepreneur, running a home décor and beauty boutique with plans to open a food truck. In her honor, the Orange Hearts for Makenzi Foundation has developed a six-week training program for teen entrepreneurs.
Orange Hearts targets at-risk youth and disadvantaged young adults in Columbus who are interested in entrepreneurship. Through the six-week program, participants receive coaching, mentoring, and technical support. Participants have the opportunity to earn scholarships towards their work by presenting business plans.
Entrepreneurship is a unique and critical path to economic advancement. According to a Fidelity Investment study, 88% of millionaires are self-made. According to Pew Research, 16 million Americans are self-employed. Equipping young people with the tools for business ownership will help fill the gap of education and create paths to financial independence.
Emergency action is necessary to ensure the timely launch of this summer program for Columbus youth.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Job Growth subfund.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with Orange Hearts for Makenzi Foundation to support the creation of a youth-focused entrepreneurship program; and to authorize an appropriation and expenditure within the Job Growth subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($50,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Orange Hearts for Makenzi targets at-risk youth and disadvantaged young adults in Columbus pursuing entrepreneurship; and
WHEREAS, entrepreneurship provides unique paths to success and financial stability for Columbus youth; and
WHEREAS, in memoriam of Makenzi Ridley, a Columbus youth and dedicated entre...
Click here for full text