Two graduates of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) each received a $1,000 prize on Friday, July 18, for winning the program’s business plan competition.

The awards were made possible by the Forward Fresno Foundation, with support from Citizens Business Bank and Steve Geil.

Chamber President/CEO Scott Miller presented the checks to Marzette Hanks and Eric Calderon during a recognition event. In attendance were Bobby Ward of Scrubcan; Jennette Williams of Citizens Business Bank; and Fernando Alvarez, a former Chamber staff member. All three helped lead this year’s program.

YEP teaches the fundamentals of starting a business to students at Violet Heintz Education Academy, a school where instruction is tailored to support students’ individual learning and behavioral needs.

YEP students begin by learning basic business concepts, then they move on to more advanced principles they can use to create their own business plans. For example, they learn how to analyze the market, assess competitors, evaluate costs, and explore funding options.

“We just help them with all the fundamental things that a person needs to be able to launch a business,” Ward said.

The program follows an official curriculum for school credit approved by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools office.

“I’m incredibly proud of our students and grateful for our partnership with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce for making student growth opportunities like this possible,” Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher said in an emailed statement. “Through this experience, our students gained real-world business skills and proved they have what it takes to succeed in school and in life. Their potential is enormous, and seeing them recognized is a powerful reminder of why we must keep investing in programs that build both entrepreneurial talent and academic excellence. I’m excited to see the Young Entrepreneurs Program continue to grow, and I truly appreciate the business leaders who invest in and inspire our Fresno County students.”