The Habersham County Chamber of Commerce received a grant to become a Georgia FLEX community for the 2024-2025 school year.
The FLEX (Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship Experience) program allows high school students to experience the world of business through entrepreneurship. In the program, high school students create real businesses, provide products and services, and make real money.
Ellie Van Doornum, President of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are thrilled to receive the grant to participate in the upcoming Georgia FLEX program. There is so much entrepreneurial talent among our young people in Habersham County.”
Van Doornum explained that the FLEX program allows a platform for high school students to showcase their talent, and it will give them the tools they need to create and grow successful businesses from the start. She emphasized how crucial this program is to the county.
The program is supported by local business leaders, community leaders, and teachers through workshops and mentorship sessions. It is a unique opportunity for students to develop customer service, communication, and entrepreneurship skills. Those who are on the steering committee and working with the students will attend an implementation training in Macon, GA, on July 30th.
Students compete in three rounds of competition until a local winner is selected. The local FLEX champs then participate in a state-wide competition.
“Small business is the heart of Habersham County’s Mainstreet and downtown areas, so the more successful they are, the better off we all are as a community,” Van Doornum added.
