01/ 23/ 2006
An NFIB member supports scholarships for the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Scottie Marable—when work begins selecting the winners of the annual NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards.
“I get so excited when this happens every year, because I’m exposed to amazing high school seniors,” says Marable, the owner of Bellevue, Wash.-based Pinnacle Marketing. “We hear so many negative things about kids, but what we don’t realize is what we have out there.”
Sponsored by the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation, the $1,000 awards are given to high-school seniors who have shown an interest in entrepreneurship. Help from sponsors like Visa USA and groups of NFIB members around the country enable the Foundation to offer a few larger awards, too.
For Marable, taking time away from her small business to talk with students submitting applications and helping raise money for additional awards is worth her time. “If we can help deserving kids who want to help small business—the economic engine that drives our country—I’m all for it,” she says. “I really believe children are not only our future, but they’re the future of small business, too.”
How You Can Help
Take advice from Marable and get started today:
Raise money. Two years ago, Marable rallied her Leadership Council colleagues to support one $1,000 scholarship. She called fellow NFIB members and asked for donations. Some gave $40 or $50; others gave more.
Sponsor applicants. Each student’s application must be signed by an NFIB member. Take a few minutes to talk to interested students. You’ll be inspired by their accomplishments.
Spread the word. This year’s application deadline is March 15. Tell interested students and high-school guidance counselors that applications can be found online at http://www.NFIB.com/yef.
