Most new entrepreneurs can point to a parent or close relative or family friend who ran their own business. The best known and most effective programs work with disadvantaged youth or youth who reside in distressed urban or rural settings. Enterprises, targets rural youth. Started in Georgia and North Carolina in 1990 is now utilized in more than 500 schools and community centers in 37 states.
REAL trains both teachers and students, from kindergarten through high school.
REAL programs help students write business plans and include a tight linkage with local entrepreneurs. These community links help ensure that student-run business also meet pressing local needs. REAL has also created REAL Online, an internet-based course for distance learning. Founded in 1987 by Steve Mariotti, NFTE targets students in grades 7-12. NFTE also trains teachers.