Do you have a teenager who is dreaming about starting their own business?

The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber are launching the Entrepreneur Program Impacting Communities this fall.

EPIC is a yearlong interactive and educational business program that will teach students the fundamentals of starting a business, offer networking opportunities and grant resources and funding for student startups.

"A lot of hard work has gone into developing this program and we're looking forward to offering this unique opportunity to our students," said Penny Hughey, CABC VP of Education and Programs. "We are a community of entrepreneurs, and it is our obligation to prepare the next generation."

The after-school program is open to public, private and home-school students in grades 7-12 in Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta and surrounding areas. Those interested in starting their own business should apply to participate in the program before July 31.

Once accepted into the program, participants have access to an online business-based curriculum, are paired with a mentor and participate in a monthly in-person meeting with a guest speaker at Coastal Alabama Community College in Gulf Shores.

"We are so excited to offer a program to the students in our community that will help them gain the knowledge and experience to better understand what it takes to start and successfully run a business while connecting with local business owners in the process," said Kylee Raulerson, SBCF Executive Director. "The connections and relationships these students will make can develop into a lasting invaluable resource."

Tara McMeans, a local business owner and EPIC committee member added, "I have dedicated most of my adult life to mentoring and working with students through many different programs, and now I am excited to be part of a team creating one. It will put business at the forefront with a diverse group of passionate leaders from the business community serving as mentors, guest speakers and sponsors to the students that participate in the program."

In addition to spreading the word to students interested in applying for the program, EPIC is looking for individuals interested in volunteering their time to mentor and businesses looking to sponsor. Sponsorships start as low as $50 and are tax-deductible through the 501c3 Foundation.

For more information on the program or to apply to be a student, mentor, or sponsor visit www.sbchamberfoundation.org.