You're never too young to start a business!
Learn About Moziah Bridges Founder of Mo's Bows, opens a new window
At the age of 9, Moziah Bridges learned how to make bow ties from his grandmother because he wanted to look dapper. That grew into a small business when people wanted to buy his smart-looking bow ties.
Now 19, Moziah is the founder, president and creative director of Mo's Bows, opens a new window. His bow ties and accessories can be found in retail stores all over the country, and he has partnered with many high-end brands, including Cole Haan and Bloomingdales.
Moziah is a pretty cool guy because in addition to his success, he has started the Go Mo! Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, which sends Memphis kids to summer camp.
Check out Moziah's book from the library!
Colorado Teen Entrepreneurs
The entrepreneurial spirit is strong in Colorado! Here are just a few of the rising stars in our state.
Shreya Nallapati, Never Again Tech, opens a new window
At 17, Shreya heard the student activist Emma Gonzalez speak about the death of her classmates in a school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL.
Shreya decided to use her knowledge of computer science and analytics to begin creating a computer program that will someday review social media sites to predict and prevent future mass shootings. NeverAgainTech has been featured in Forbes, Smithsonian Magazine and Amy Poehler's Smart Girls website.
Jack Bonneau, Jack's Stands & Marketplaces, opens a new window and Teen Hustl, opens a new window
Jack is a 15-year-old serial entrepreneur. When he was 8, he started a lemonade stand at a local farmers market and grew it into Jack's Stands & Marketplaces. This business gives kids and their families the opportunity to reserve a lemonade stand, learn about running a small business and even take home the day's profits.
Jack is the youngest guy to successfully pitch and get a deal on the TV show Shark Tank! He recently launched TeenHustl which he compares to the modern day version of a paper route, where teens earn money by doing "last mile" delivery of packages on their scooters and bikes.
Reina Crowley, Mile High Freeze Dry, opens a new window
Reina is another serial entrepreneur. She started with a lemonade stand and turned that into Bagel Buddies, which sold coffee and bagels at local neighborhood events.
After learning about food waste, 14-year-old Reina was inspired to start Mile High Freeze Dry. She specializes in making and selling freeze-dried fruit, candy and more. I took a peek at her website and was amazed to learn that Skittles can be freeze-dried! Last year, she was a featured vendor for the YouthBiz Holiday Marketplace, opens a new window.
Hannah Ryes, HER Designs, opens a new window
Similar to Moziah, Hannah started out making hair accessories for herself. Her friends and family liked them, so they asked her how to buy one. As a result, Hannah started HER Designs when she was 8.
Her products include rosette clips, masks, and personal safety alarms that are decorated with a rosette. She has gotten quite a few accolades over the last few years, including being the 2019 winner of the Youthbiz competition.
Get Inspired and Get Started
If you're inspired to be Colorado's next entrepreneur whatever your age, Arapahoe Libraries and the Front Range have many resources for you. Here are just a few options to get you started:
- Arapahoe Libraries Business Help - Submit a request for small business assistance, explore the library's business resources and read the latest business blogs
- Aurora South Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC), opens a new window - Get assistance with starting your small business, to include free consulting sessions and low cost classes
- Community Business Resources List - Check out this list of awesome resources in our community to help you get started and grow your business.
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