JN Financial Academy to host virtual summer camp

The JN Financial Academy is to host a two-day virtual summer camp from July 30 to 31 under the theme ‘Building the Future Entrepreneur’.

Shanna Kaye Wright Vaughn, lead, youth and education programmes at the JN Foundation, said the summer camp -now in its third year - is set to combine essential financial literacy with the transformative power of entrepreneurship and is geared at stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit of young people.

She said this year’s camp, targeting 12- to 17-year-old participants, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the micro-to-medium business landscape, along with practical advice on implementing and scaling business ideas.

Wright Vaughn said the camp’s curriculum is designed to inspire and educate young entrepreneurs, giving them the tools to become innovators and leaders in their communities. She said participants will gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship with a unique focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), real estate management, social enterprise and digital media. This will be done through interactive sessions and panel discussions with outstanding entrepreneurs and industry experts.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2021-2022 National Report for Jamaica, entrepreneurship is an essential driver of societal health and wealth and is also a formidable engine of economic growth. Organisers note that it is with this in mind that the camp aims to engage youths.

“Participants will learn the fundamentals of financial literacy, enabling them to manage their finances effectively and make informed decisions as they venture into entrepreneurship,” she explained.

“The JN Financial Academy Summer Camp is committed to fostering this spirit of innovation and economic growth in Jamaica. By empowering young entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need, the camp aims to contribute to the country’s development and prosperity,” said Wright Vaughn.

She said the JN Financial Academy aims to empower JN members and potential members to achieve financial freedom by providing information, training, and mentorship to help them make better financial decisions.

“This opportunity to engage high school students about entrepreneurship also highlights a key point from the GEM report as the summer camp aims to promote the essential innovation required not only to exploit new opportunities, promote productivity, and create employment, but also to address some of society’s greatest challenges,” she said.

There will be two keynote sessions focusing on the importance of STEM and entrepreneurship, to be presented by Dr Charah Watson, executive director of the Scientific Research Council of Jamaica. The session on ‘embracing culture as a social enterprise’ will be shared by Randy McLaren, chief executive officer and co-founder of Bresheh.

Carlyle Grant, managing director of Digital Danes, and Keleisha Carter, US-based real estate investor and capital raiser, both past ambassadors from the JN Group-led tertiary initiative, JN Wise Aspiring Youth Programme (JNWAY), will participate in a panel discussion on the importance of networking and entrepreneurship.

There will also be presentations from the Companies Office of Jamaica, Junior Achievement Jamaica and the JN Bank (Small Business Loans Division).

Interested people are invited to register for the summer camp by visiting the JN Foundation website, www.jnfoundation.com or social media channels @jnfoundation.