UNF Hosts Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Conference

Joanna Norris, Assistant Director

Department of Media Relations and Events

(904) 620-2102

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of North Florida is hosting the 5^th annual Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Conference from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, at the University Center on campus for girls ages 15 to 18 who are enrolled in high school.

“We are proud to present this unique program to the students of this community,” said Janice Donaldson, regional director of the SBDC at UNF. “Through these conferences, we are confident that the young entrepreneurs of Florida will develop the business savvy that will set the stage for their future entrepreneurial successes.”

The free one-day conference is designed to encourage financial literacy and help girls learn about starting businesses and managing personal finances through interactive games and hands-on activities. Breakfast, lunch and conference materials will be provided. 

An application and waiver are required to be filled out and signed by a parent or guardian. Only the first 100 applications will be accepted. Forms can be downloaded at www.sbdc.unf.edu. A copy needs to be sent to the student’s guidance counselor and to the SBDC at UNF by e-mail at mhague@unf.edu or by fax to (904) 620-2567.

More than 30 successful local women business owners and professionals will participate as conference mentors guide the girls through various activities throughout the day. Attendees will play “Hot Company^®,” a board game that introduces girls to the advantages and challenges of owning one’s own business. They will also team up for a marketing exercise called “Product-in-a-Box,^®” where they will have the opportunity to design a product and present a marketing plan.

            This year’s conference is made possible through the generous support of the SBDC at UNF, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, The Jacksonville Commitment, Women Business Owners of North Florida and The Professional Women’s Council of Jacksonville.

Since 1976, the Small Business Development Center at UNF has helped more than 30,000 small businesses in an 18-county area. The SBDC provides assistance through management advice and technical training with little to no-cost to the potential, fledgling and/or well-established small business owners.

For more information about the Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Conference, contact Marice Hague, SBDC, at (904) 620-1071 or by e-mail at mhague@unf.edu.

-UNF-