MONEY MATTERS: ACCOUNTING FIRM TEACHESYOUNG ENTREPRENEURS HOW TO MANAGE BUSINESS FINANCES

Students from the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) were introduced to Nick Valenti from Valenti, Rackley & Associates, who spoke to the class about financial consideration when starting a small business. Students listened as he presented the principles of budgeting, financing and taxes while also touching on the role of an accountant and what small business owners should know about accounting services.
 
Valenti stated, “It was great to be with these bright young people who are taking an interest in entrepreneurship and to speak to them about the accounting aspects of running a business.” 
 
As part of the YEA! program, students are introduced to all facets of the business world including advertising, insurance, graphic design, web development and legal issues.
 
Over the course of this year’s YEA! program, 17 students will launch their own businesses.
 
As a non-profit organization, YEA! relies on the generosity of the community and of sponsors; people who identify with entrepreneurship and want to help pave the way for the future business leaders of tomorrow.
 
“YEA! strengthens the community, and the community strengthens YEA!,” said Gayle Jagel, the founder and CEO of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. “Our program managers and instructors seek out people in the business community to help transform our students’ dreams into reality.”
 
During the course of the 26-week program, more than 30 local businesses become involved with YEA! in various ways. Students work in close cooperation with local business leaders, community leaders and educators who use their personal experiences to demonstrate how to transform their ideas into tangible enterprises that create economic and social value.
 
For more information on YEA! contact Betty Morgan at the Chamber at 229-247-8100 ext 234.