May 18, 2008 - 3:20pm — fabalyss21
Can I do this?
Hi Everyone!
My name is Alyssa, and I have an idea for a great socially conscience business, but I'm not sure if I would qualify for a venturer for several reasons, and would greatly appreciate some guidance.
To start out, I'd like to provide a little information about my idea. I'm a college student studying Journalism wiht a concentration in Public Relations and Advertising. I'd like to combine my interest in these areas and my desire to gain experience in them with my love for community minded projects/groups/businesses by starting a media company (providing mostly PR and Advertising but some event planning, consulting, graphic and web design etc) for non-profits and other socially conscience businesses and groups ONLY. I have very little experience in these areas outside of my schoolwork and would just like to start by building a solid portfolio, so I'll be working for free or for a very minimal cost to start out, but eventually I'd like to charge for my services, while still keeping them affordable for the types of clients I'd like to serve.
There are a couple things that make me uncertain of my eligibility. First of all, I'm 19, to turn 20 in September. Would Youth Venture still fund me even though I'm so close to their age cutoff? Also, I'm currently a one person team, and I know Youth Venture looks for groups of 2 or more. I'm considering partnering with a 21-year-old graphic designer from Australia who will handle the art portion of my business, but since he's above the age cutoff, would this even work? I know that the cutoff is different in different countries but am not sure what it is in Australia, or if this would even matter as I'm in the US and will be serving US customers. The idea of setting up a sort of student-run agency at my university (University of Wisconsin) has crossed my mind and I think it would be great to get other like-minded students who want to gain experience involved, working as sort of employees in the agency, but I'm not sure how this would work out for me as this business is something that I'd like to continue pursuing after college and turn into a career, and I most likely won't be staying in Madison (nor would most of the students who would become involved).
So I guess I am asking a couple questions. First, does my general idea make sense as a venture or am I off base? Second, am I still eligible though I'm so close to the age cutoff and it may take me until I turn 20 to get my venture going? Third, is there any exception to the team of two or more rule? If not, would my alternative solutions work (graphic designer, expand to other students)?
Any help would be greatly appreciated! You can contact me at vandeleest@wisc.edu or just reply here. Thanks!
Alyssa
Re: Can I do this?
Hi Alyssa,
Thanks for this great question! I'm sure that Youth Venture will fund you even though you're close to the cut off as long as you have a clear process for handing off your venture to younger people once you've exceeded the age limit (once you turn 21). If it's going to take you 2 or 3 years to get the business started, you may want to consider other sources of funding. Your friend from Australia, I'm pretty sure won't make it, but you can enlist them as an ally. Your overall venture sounds great - its just the logistics that might not work out. And if it doesn't, don't give up! There are plenty of other places you can get money for college students. I've emailed you so we can talk more through email. Good luck!
Jenny Chen
Editor-in-Chief
JJ Express Magazine
"Life is the biggest bargain - you get it for free!"
Re: Can I do this?
Hi Alyssa,
I agree with Jenny. You are eligible to apply as long as you don't turn 21 when you submit your action plan. One of my team member is 20 when we applied. Also make sure you give yourself enough time because you won't know the exact date for your selection panel appointment only after you submit everything. Unfortunately, your friend can't be part of your team BUT that doesn't mean he can't help out with the venture. We have many volunteers who are not part of our core members but they play an important role in our organization. It's all about the network :) Hope this helps and good luck!
Linda Zhao, President
Chair Advocates
linlin@chairadvocates.org