[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” u_row_style=”1″ u_row_paralax=”0″ u_row_scheme=”0″ el_class=”custom-background-row” css=”.vc_custom_1698353633568{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #000000 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/5″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_single_image image=”147343″ img_size=”large” css=”.vc_custom_1698422835604{margin-bottom: -1% !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_single_image image=”147344″ img_size=”648×320″ alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”DEVELOP – UNLOCK – FUEL – EMPOWER” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:55|text_align:right|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%20Condensed%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”custom-open-sans-condensed”][vc_custom_heading text=”the next generation of entrepreneurs.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:45|text_align:right|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%20Condensed%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”custom-open-sans-condensed”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][vc_single_image image=”147344″ img_size=”648×320″ alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”DEVELOP –
UNLOCK – FUEL
– EMPOWER” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:48|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%20Condensed%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”the next generation of entrepreneurs.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:30|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%20Condensed%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1698426805804{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” u_row_style=”0″ u_row_paralax=”0″ u_row_scheme=”0″ el_class=”swap-on-mobile”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-sm-offset-0″ css=”.vc_custom_1698718056716{padding-top: 3% !important;}”][vc_column_text]Why the START SMART program? [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We are committed to fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking in young minds, laying the foundation for their future success as business leaders.

We envision a future where young minds are empowered with entrepreneurial thinking from an early age. We believe that by cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, we can equip the leaders of tomorrow with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the dynamic world of business.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-12″ css=”.vc_custom_1698714985825{padding-top: 2% !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”147345″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1698758802618{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_single_image image=”147073″ img_size=”95×95″ alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]

Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship

The START SMART Youth Entrepreneurship Program is not just a learning experience; it’s an opportunity to step into the real world of entrepreneurship with the right support and resources at your disposal.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1698714975989{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm”][vc_single_image image=”147073″ img_size=”95×95″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm”][vc_column_text]

Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship

The START SMART Youth Entrepreneurship Program is not just a learning experience; it’s an opportunity to step into the real world of entrepreneurship with the right support and resources at your disposal.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_single_image image=”147074″ img_size=”95×95″ alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]

Expert Mentors Who Are Business Leaders and Owners

Our mentors are accomplished local business leaders and entrepreneurs. With their wealth of real-world experience, they are uniquely qualified to provide your student with invaluable insights, mentorship, and practical knowledge drawn from the business world’s front lines.

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Expert Mentors Who Are Business Leaders and Owners

Our mentors are accomplished local business leaders and entrepreneurs. With their wealth of real-world experience, they are uniquely qualified to provide your student with invaluable insights, mentorship, and practical knowledge drawn from the business world’s front lines.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1698758808138{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_single_image image=”147075″ img_size=”95×95″ alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]

More Than Education, It’s an Opportunity

Choosing the START SMART program isn’t just about giving a student education; it’s about unlocking a world complete with opportunities, knowledge, and essential skills. The experiences and lessons gathered from the program are designed to serve them well in any field they choose to explore in the future.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1698714917022{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm”][vc_single_image image=”147075″ img_size=”95×95″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm”][vc_column_text]

More Than Education, It’s an Opportunity

Choosing the START SMART program isn’t just about giving a student education; it’s about unlocking a world complete with opportunities, knowledge, and essential skills. The experiences and lessons gathered from the program are designed to serve them well in any field they choose to explore in the future.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_single_image image=”147070″ img_size=”95×95″ alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]

Stipends & Cash Awards

All participants in the program will receive a stipend to acknowledge their dedication and hard work. To foster a spirit of healthy competition and reward exceptional business insight, we are hosting a pitch competition where winners will be granted an additional cash award. This seed money is designed to be invested directly into their budding business or business idea, encouraging participation while also rewarding excellence and innovation.

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Stipends & Cash Awards

All participants in the program will receive a stipend to acknowledge their dedication and hard work. To foster a spirit of healthy competition and reward exceptional business insight, we are hosting a pitch competition where winners will be granted an additional cash award. This seed money is designed to be invested directly into their budding business or business idea, encouraging participation while also rewarding excellence and innovation.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”top” u_row_style=”1″ u_row_paralax=”0″ u_row_scheme=”0″ el_class=”custom-background-row3″ css=”.vc_custom_1698714344358{padding-top: 3% !important;background-image: url(https://gastonbusinessinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Girl-on-campus-2-edited.jpg?id=147408) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”147347″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_custom_heading text=”The
Curriculum” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:60|text_align:center|color:%23f1a71e” google_fonts=”font_family:Voltaire%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”hidden-title”][vc_custom_heading text=”MODULES” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:100|text_align:center|color:%23f1a71e” google_fonts=”font_family:Voltaire%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”modules-title”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”147409″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Boss Up from the Ground Up:
Entrepreneurship 101

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Gettin’ to the Bag:
Building Your Business Hustle[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”147437″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Brand Bosses:
Creating Your Business Identity[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”147436″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Keepin’ It Real:
Ethics in Business[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”147438″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Money Moves:
Securing Financing for Your Business[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”147435″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Legally Lit:
Navigating the Legal Landscape of Business[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”147440″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Financial Flex:
Navigating Business Finance with Ease[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”147439″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Pitch Perfect:
Mastering the Art of the Business[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” u_row_style=”0″ u_row_paralax=”0″ u_row_scheme=”0″ el_class=”swap-on-mobile” css=”.vc_custom_1698421369446{padding-top: 3% !important;background-color: #485ec4 !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-sm-offset-0″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1698420901444{padding-left: 2% !important;}”]ROOTED IN THE MAGIC CITY[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_single_image image=”147350″ img_size=”260×260″ alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_custom_heading text=”Red Mountain Theater” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:40|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Voltaire%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1698425918650{margin-left: -10% !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Our program takes place in the vibrant and inspiring setting of Red Mountain Theater. This creative environment fosters innovation and encourages out-of-the-box thinking, providing the perfect backdrop for your student’s entrepreneurial journey.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_hidden-lg vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_hidden-md vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-offset-1″][vc_single_image image=”147350″ img_size=”260×260″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_hidden-lg vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_hidden-md vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-offset-1″][vc_custom_heading text=”Red Mountain Theater” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:40|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Voltaire%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]

Our program takes place in the vibrant and inspiring setting of Red Mountain Theater. This creative environment fosters innovation and encourages out-of-the-box thinking, providing the perfect backdrop for your student’s entrepreneurial journey.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_single_image image=”147349″ img_size=”260×260″ alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_custom_heading text=”The BJCC” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:40|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Voltaire%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1698426205747{margin-left: -10% !important;}”][vc_column_text]

The culmination of our program is an exhilarating pitch competition scheduled for February 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). This event offers your student the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas and skills to a wider audience, providing a taste of the real-world entrepreneurial experience.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_hidden-lg vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_hidden-md vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-offset-1″][vc_single_image image=”147349″ img_size=”260×260″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_hidden-lg vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_hidden-md vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-offset-1″][vc_custom_heading text=”The BJCC” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:40|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Voltaire%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]

The culmination of our program is an exhilarating pitch competition scheduled for February 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). This event offers your student the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas and skills to a wider audience, providing a taste of the real-world entrepreneurial experience.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”147351″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”0″ u_row_paralax=”0″ u_row_scheme=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1698421438691{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 60px !important;padding-bottom: 60px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_single_image image=”147352″ img_size=”75×558″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Our Sponsors” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:60|text_align:center|color:%23f1a71e” google_fonts=”font_family:Voltaire%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”hidden-title” css=”.vc_custom_1698421590725{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”147335″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”147028″ img_size=”250×55″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”147353″ img_size=”250×148″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”147226″ img_size=”250×55″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”147227″ img_size=”250×54″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”147229″ img_size=”218×130″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”147224″ img_size=”234×130″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”144140″ img_size=”217×120″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1698424658146{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1698422062217{padding-top: 5% !important;}”]

Is your company missing from the list?

Find out how to become a START SMART sponsor here.

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“LET’S INVEST in the entrepreneurial potential of our future leaders TOGETHER.“

—Robert Dickerson Jr.,
President, A.G. Gaston Business Institute

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