LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More than a dozen children affected by gun violence are getting the chance to learn business skills.
The Louisville ACE Project is celebrating 14 students who have launched their own businesses through its Academy of Children Entrepreneurship course.
The course taught Jamie Angton how to start her own business called “All Things Girls.”
“I make a lot of jewelry,” says Anton, CEO and owner of All Things Girls. “I generally make a lot of jewelry for women, but this year I’ve started selling jewelry for men as well. I have a new collection this year called ‘All Things Men,’ and I’m selling tutus.”
The 14-year-old boy spent the seven-month program learning business terminology, financial skills and how to write a business plan.
“It’s a little bit hard. It takes a lot of planning,” she said. “It’s a full-day process. And you have to make sure you’re prepared. You have to make sure you have a project. You have to make sure you can talk to people.”
Anton said he was shy before joining the program, but now he doesn’t mind stepping out of his comfort zone.
“The ACE project helped me come out of my shell, be creative and try different things,” Anton said.
The ACE Project’s mission is to change the lives of disadvantaged children and their families affected by gun violence and trauma, and Rose Smith, executive director of the ACE Project, said the program is a preventative measure to keep kids busy.
“One young man told me that washing clothes gives him peace of mind and a sense of belonging,” Smith said. “He enjoys it and doesn’t want to go outside.”
The ACE Project provides financial assistance to students to start their own businesses.
We will be holding free classes again this summer. Children between the ages of 10 and 18 are welcome to participate.
