Here at the Kantner Foundation, we celebrate young entrepreneurs. But what, exactly, is entrepreneurship? How can you get started? The Center for American Entrepreneurship defines entrepreneurship as: “…the process of starting and developing a company, with the aim of delivering something new or improved to the market, or by organizing the means of production in a superior way.” […]

For too many previous incarnations, running a business meant focusing on profit and growth. Social issues, community involvement, and sustainability were thought to be the exclusive purview of the non-profit sector. Thankfully, these days that is no longer the case.   While Ben & Jerry’s ice cream has been successfully balancing social initiatives with business profits

One of your most important keys to success as a young entrepreneur is marketing yourself and your business. While online ads may be outside your budget, there are a few things you can do that are inexpensive yet effective. In fact, some of these ideas cost nothing but a little time and energy – and don’t require any special training on your

Mornings are important, especially for young entrepreneurs. How you wake up and get started can set the tone for the entire rest of your day. Make sure you are prep for success by creating a regular morning routine and following it.   While it might appear that we’ve listed a lot of things to remember in the

What is a Mentor? Why Do You Need One?   Young entrepreneurs are, by their very nature, bright and ambitious go-getters. The Kantner Foundation respects all the hard work you put into everything you do: school, community, sports, and your business. However, starting an enterprise from scratch, no matter how much research you do, isn’t easy.   There are common mistakes that nearly

The world needs you! Young entrepreneurs are the future of business. There’s no better time to move forward with your startup than right now.   Before diving into the business world headfirst with your eyes closed, slow down, take a deep breath, and read the steps below. This won’t slow you down as much as you

In early December 2020, the New York Times published this piece on a 1,020-year-old mochi shop in Kyoto, Japan. The shop stands out because the idea of a company staying in business for so long seems not only unlikely but impossible. Today, the average lifespan for a business is 15 years; it wouldn’t survive past 8th grade.   This is why young

Being a successful young entrepreneur will mean, at some point or other on your path, that you will lead a team. How do you become a strong and inspiring leader? Read on for advice from those who have been there. See if you can spot any common traits…  Focus on Yourself, Then You Can Focus on Others 

What is a Business Plan? Before you start your business, you’ll need a plan. In the simplest terms, a business plan is a document that contains the steps you’ll take to start a business and succeed with your idea. Think of it like a roadmap and guidebook combined: your goals, your financial plan, your marketing

You are a young entrepreneur: you are driven, energetic, bright, and passionate. At your age, you are well aware of the challenges facing the world right now. Entrepreneurs like you know how to face those challenges with grit, determination, and creativity. There is absolutely no reason why you can’t take your passion and turn it