With classes in visual and performing arts, the Jessye Norman School of the Arts is a place where children can tap into their creativity, but school officials want to take creativity a step further by helping them and their families become entrepreneurs.
“One of our missions is the economic empowerment of the families we serve,” said Gary Dennis, the JNSA executive director. “After the kids leave here, they still have to go home. Many of them live in multi-generational poverty.”
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The school is launching J-Tank, a concept similar to Shark Tank, with hopes of helping families develop small businesses, Dennis said.
The concept is in the early phases. Dennis said he and Jay Jacobs, a local artist who is the project lead, are working with local businesspeople to become mentors in the process. The more businesspeople they can get on board, the better, he said.
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J-Tank is a “collaboration between the school and the Augusta Housing Authority, First Community Bank and the Augusta Partnership for Children. The project will underscore the importance of art as a vehicle for economic empowerment,” according to a news release.
J-Tank won’t begin until later this summer.
A general information meeting for families of interested eighth through 12th graders will be July 30.
Families will pitch a business idea beginning Aug. 3, and 20 families selected take part in the J-Tank Academy, which is a 13-week “crash course” in how to start a business, according to the release.
Families will be paired with a mentor and will receive up to $500 in seed money to develop their business ideas.
“I am excited to see how advice and guidance from local entrepreneurs can help ideas that come from the ether develop into real, tangible businesses. I hope some kid comes in with an original, half-formed idea, and I want to see if a little guidance can cause a spark of inspiration that might totally transform their life and their income,” said Jacobs in the news release.
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The J-Tank Academy will begin in October and run through January.
Since this is a new program, Dennis said he’s not sure what to expect.
“I will consider it a success if one family starts a business,” he said.
Dennis said a few business leaders are on board and hopes to attract others.
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Anyone who wants to volunteer with the project should email Dennis at execdir@jessyenormanschool.org. Families can apply at jessyenormanschool.org/jtank.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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