Empowering Future Entrepreneurs: NEST Nonprofit Bridges Access Gap for Students

Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs: How NEST is Changing Lives

In Georgia, a lack of access rather than ambition often inhibits young students from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. While many high school graduates aspire to launch their own businesses, the reality is that they often leave school without crucial skills such as budgeting, understanding financial terminology, or forming a company. Recognizing this gap, NEST (New Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow), a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, has taken steps to provide these students with the financial education and mentorship they need to succeed.

NEST's mission is clear: to equip underserved and refugee youth with the tools to thrive in the business world. By delivering critical knowledge in finance and entrepreneurship, NEST seeks to transform dreams into actionable plans. Since its inception, the organization has engaged over 70 high school students, providing them with more than 65 hours of hands-on seminars covering vital topics like investing, marketing, and business operations. They have successfully raised $29,000 in funding to further their mission, leading to the creation of 14 student-run startups.

The program’s backbone lies in its NEST Tutoring Seminars, which consist of interactive workshops led by experienced mentors. These sessions focus on practical skills that are largely absent from traditional school curricula, allowing students to learn how to budget their expenses, speak publicly, and even develop software for businesses. This hands-on approach puts control back into the hands of the youth, allowing them to explore their ideas fully.

The Journey of a Student Entrepreneur

Kubby Bhatia, the founder of NEST, started the initiative driven by his own entrepreneurial journey. He recalls how a program called LaunchX enabled him to develop a startup alongside peers, sparking his desire to help others access similar opportunities. Understanding that many nonprofits only address academic needs without focusing on entrepreneurship, he founded NEST while still in high school. His goal is to democratize access to business resources, making it easier for young, innovative minds to tackle real-world problems.

Bhatia remarks, “Bringing business to my community and peers means providing the necessary resources to effectuate real change. Many of these students already possess determination and innovative ideas; they simply need the tools, mentorship, and financial backing to realize their potential.”

Take, for instance, Halelulya Tesfamariam, a participant of NEST. Starting with a strong concept, he went on to develop his company, StockSmart, which provides inventory and operations software tailored for field-service businesses. Thanks to the mentorship and financial backing from NEST—specifically, a $2,500 award for his pitch—he has taken significant strides toward launching his business.

The NEST Business Competition and What Lies Ahead

Beyond education, NEST offers students the opportunity to pitch their business ideas in a competition format. Students are invited to submit a video presentation about their business solutions, competing for seed funding and ongoing mentorship. This year's competition attracted excitement, offering rewards of $5,000 for the first place, $2,500 for second, and $1,000 for third. All applicants retain full ownership of their ideas while receiving practical guidance to bring them to fruition.

The upcoming NEST Business Competition is now open for entries, encouraging young entrepreneurs to unleash their potential. Interested high school students in Georgia can participate either individually or in teams. The competition process is designed to be inclusive and accessible, free of charge, thereby removing any financial barriers that might deter participation.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Young Innovators

As NEST continues to expand, it represents a beacon of hope for underserved youth in Georgia. By providing crucial resources and mentorship opportunities, the organization is planting the seeds of innovation and entrepreneurship within communities that have previously lacked access to these pathways. NEST not only helps students build businesses but also plays a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable future—one where every young person has the chance to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. To learn more about NEST's initiatives or to register for the upcoming competition, visit nestbusinesscompetition.com.