Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — On the same day that Gulf Shores celebrated the opening of its new high school, Tara McMeans addressed the city council about an EPIC program which helps students navigate business skills outside of the schools.

The EPIC student program stands as a cornerstone of youth professional development in the Baldwin County area. Facilitated by Gulf Shores resident Tara McMeans and many other business leaders, the initiative is a strategic collaboration between the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation. Now entering its fourth year of operation, the program is designed to provide middle and high school students with the foundational knowledge and resources necessary to launch and maintain their own business ventures.

The EPIC program employs a hybrid learning model to accommodate students from various educational backgrounds, including public, private, city, and homeschool environments.

• Monthly Meetings: Participants gather once a month at Coastal Alabama Community College to engage in hands-on learning.
• Online Curriculum: Students have access to a digital curriculum that reinforces business concepts between sessions.
• CEO Roundtable: A unique feature of the program is the "CEO Roundtable," where students gain direct insights from successful business owners regarding the challenges and growth trajectories of real-world enterprises.
• Mentorship: The program fosters a creative and supportive environment, allowing students to ask questions, build confidence, and refine their professional skills through mentorship.

Real-World Success: Three Sisters Cleaning LLC

The efficacy of the EPIC program is best demonstrated through the success of its participants. A recent and notable example is Allison Niamesto, an 18-year-old program graduate who launched Three Sisters Cleaning LLC in April 2026 after participating in the EPIC program.

Starting with the skills and confidence gained through the initiative, Niamesto’s business has rapidly expanded to serve 18 full-time, recurring clients across five different cities within Baldwin County. Her achievement underscores the program's ability to turn student concepts into viable, active commercial entities.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the EPIC program is the longevity of the ventures it produces. According to program facilitators, every student business launched since the initiative's inception remains in operation today. These businesses are contributing to the local economies of several areas, including:

• Gulf Shores
• Orange Beach
• Foley
• Elberta
• Fort Morgan

The program relies on community support to continue its mission. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $50, with all funds directly supporting the hosting of meetings and providing seed investment for student-led businesses.

For students interested in joining the next cohort, the application deadline is August 15th. Prospective participants can find application materials and further information at the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation’s dedicated portal: sbchamberfoundation.org/epic.