Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Entrepreneurial traits and behaviors—such as honesty, integrity, responsibility, ethical work habits, goal-setting, and more—are vital for all students regardless of age. Every year, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction partners with Junior Achievement of Wisconsin to invite entrepreneurs, grades 5–12, to apply for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Entries are due by January 12, 2024.
Jonah Larson, owner of Jonah’s Hands, was the 2021 winner of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and the $10,000 scholarship that went with it. A middle-schooler at the time, Jonah is a crochet prodigy, who has been featured on various national television programs and written two books. Now in high school, Jonah recently shared the impact the award has had and where he is now:
Briefly describe how winning the Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition positively impacted you AND your business.
“It was a challenge for me to develop the presentation and dive into the details of my business so I could compete against the other finalists. I had to discipline myself to practice my presentation, accept feedback from mentors and adjust accordingly, and proactively think about questions judges might ask me so I could prepare myself on how to answer them. Overall I increased my speaking skills and gained self-confidence.
“My business was already well known but spreading the word of my award on social media spread the word of my philanthropy and in return I received more donations for my work in Ethiopia.”
Please describe the current status of your winning business or any new business venture(s).
“My business continues to grow. I have had more collaborations with businesses around the world including a yarn company in Brazil. Yes, this meant a trip to Brazil for me and my parents to see how yarn is made. I have collaborated with Sesame Street to make a blanket and pillow for one of the Muppets. It was amazing to showcase my work on this iconic show. I continue my philanthropy work in Ethiopia. I have finished my work in the elementary school and am now focusing on the needs of the high school. I have won several other awards mainly focused on my work in philanthropy which awarded my scholarships for my education.”
If a young entrepreneur was unsure if they should apply for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition, what words of encouragement would you share?
“Why wouldn’t you? If you believe in your work and your business, then share it with as many people as you can. If you are afraid of speaking in front of others, challenge yourself because if you’re going to be successful in leadership, you will need to be able to speak about your business and show your passion for it.”
What is one valuable piece of advice you would be willing to share to aspiring entrepreneurs?
“I remember I was the youngest of the finalists and going against kids that were graduating from high school. Don’t be intimidated by age. Remember, nobody can speak about your business better than you can.”
Jonah Larson’s achievements and philanthropic impact are inspirational and embody the entrepreneurial spirit. Consider sharing this article with aspiring young entrepreneurs. In addition, if you know any entrepreneurs in grades 5-12, please encourage them to reference the 2024 Young Entrepreneur of the Year award application and website. And we encourage everyone to watch the live competition on March 6, 2024!
—Submitted by Tim Fandek, Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurship Education Consultant, Wisconsin DECA Chartered Association Advisor, Career and Technical Education, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction