Youth candidates should complete a job preparedness course, define career goals, and understand the world of work. Some programs run from 10th grade for 3 to 4 years. The Extension Career Smarts curriculum is an excellent resource available through the 4-H program. Small Business Centers For information and assistance, contact small business centers of the nearest Community College and the small business and technology development center with the nearest university in the University of North Carolina System. A micro-enterprise is a small business with five or fewer employees,one of whom owns the enterprise.
Support comes in the form of business training and financing.
Here is how it works. An organization mobilizes financial resources for a loan fund and raises donations to subsidize training, provide child care and transportation, and provide expertise for training. Self-selection is the best screening mechanism. Peer support groups during training have been shown to be helpful. Mentoring is provided for at least a year after starting the business.