Foley, Ala. - (OBA) - In the press release below, the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, with the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, just announced the launch of EPIC, a revolutionary student entrepreneur program slated for this fall. EPIC (Entrepreneur Program Impacting Communities) aims to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit among students in South Baldwin County, providing a year-long, enriching educational experience that dives into the heart of business fundamentals. 

In addition to fostering crucial business acumen, the program offers a myriad of networking opportunities and the promise of resources and funding for student-led start-ups. This initiative embodies our commitment to paving the way for the next generation of business leaders, igniting their potential, and strengthening our community of entrepreneurs.

Press Release:

EPIC, a new student entrepreneur program presented by the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation and the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is launching this fall in South Baldwin County.

EPIC (Entrepreneur Program Impacting Communities) is a year-long interactive and educational business program that will teach students the fundamentals of starting a business, offer networking opportunities, and grant resources and funding for student start-ups.

“A lot of hard work has gone into developing this program and we’re looking forward to offering this unique opportunity to our students,” said Penny Hughey, VP of Education & Programs. “We are a community of entrepreneurs and it is our obligation to prepare the next generation.”

The after-school program will be offered to students in public, private, or homeschool in grades 7-12 in Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta, and surrounding areas. Students that are interested in starting their own business should apply to be in the program before the July 31st deadline. Once accepted into the program, they will have access to an online business-based curriculum, be paired with a mentor, and participate in a monthly in-person meeting with a guest speaker at Coastal Alabama Community College in Gulf Shores.

Kylee Raulerson, South Baldwin Chamber Foundation Executive Director stated, “We are so excited to offer a program to the students in our community that will help them gain the knowledge and experience to better understand what it takes to start and successfully run a business while connecting with local business owners in the process. The connections and relationships these students will make can develop into a lasting invaluable resource!”

Tara McMeans, a local business owner and EPIC committee member added, “I have dedicated most of my adult life to mentoring and working with students through many different programs and now I am excited to be part of a team creating one. It will put business at the forefront with a diverse group of passionate leaders from the business community serving as mentors, guest speakers, and sponsors to the students that participate in the program.”

In addition to spreading the word to students interested in applying for the program, EPIC is looking for individuals interested in volunteering their time to mentor, and businesses looking to sponsor. Sponsorships start as low as $50 and are tax-deductible through the 501c3 Foundation.

For more information on the program or to apply to be a student, mentor, or sponsor visit SBChamberFoundation.org