On December 19th Canal Alliance held the first Canal Business Idol Competition. 60 middle school and high school students participating in our afterschool program worked through the steps of entrepreneurship: business plan design, cash-flow analysis, internet-based marketing, commercial production, and the ins and outs of networking with investors. Students met with professional business consultants and explored the needs of their community to determine where their niche might lie.

Twelve competitors were chosen by judges from local business, Rotary Clubs and university business programs. Now Canal Youth have the chance to make their dreams a reality.

Our goal is to raise $12,000 to provide micro-grants to the youth whose business plans were selected for further development. Only with seed money will they be able to take the next step. They’ll be reporting on their progress in May, 2010 when they convene to share their accomplishments with their families, business mentors, investors and community leaders.

Why is the Project so Necessary?

Young adulthood can be difficult for Canal youth; full of onerous responsibilities and reminders of just how close your limits lie. In the past year, we have seen many of our brightest students leave the Canal Alliance After-School Program because they had to choose between supporting their families financially today, and building for themselves a brighter tomorrow. This vibrant Latino community is steeped in a family-centric tradition that is admirable and righteous; however, this well-intentioned value can be undermined by the harsh economic realities of the marketplace.

Canal Alliance is challenging middle school and high school students to see themselves as champions of their community, personifying the work ethic and ingenuity that has allowed their families to survive. Here they take those skills to the next level and thrive.

For further information call Janice Vela at (415) 306-0415 or email at janice@canalalliance.org

What the Media says about our project?