Imagine
Identify a problem, passion, product, service, or community opportunity.
WhaleWorks Program • 04
Entrepreneurship Institute
Help young people turn ideas into plans—and plans into responsible action.
Enterprise pathway
Participants learn business by doing. Practical projects introduce idea development, customer discovery, branding, budgeting, pricing, service, pitching, and ethical leadership while connecting youth with local entrepreneurs and real community needs.
Core experiences
Learning that is active, practical, and connected.
Each experience can stand alone, but the strongest results come from sustained participation, trusted mentorship, and progression into other WhaleWorks pathways.
- Idea development and customer discovery
- Branding, messaging, and storytelling
- Budgeting, pricing, and financial literacy
- Pitching and presentation skills
- Customer service and ethical leadership
- Youth pop-ups and enterprise projects
Participant journey
A clear pathway without forcing every learner into the same route.
Young people can enter at different stages and move forward at a pace that reflects their interests, readiness, and goals.
Validate
Research customers, costs, competition, and practical feasibility.
Build
Create a brand, budget, offer, prototype, and operating plan.
Launch
Pitch, test, learn from feedback, and practice responsible enterprise.
What success can look like
Progress measured in confidence, capability, and connection.
WhaleWorks will establish specific measures with funders, schools, families, and implementation partners as each cohort launches.
Financial and business literacy
Public speaking confidence
Creative problem solving
Leadership and initiative
Development roadmap
Investment turns a promising program into lasting regional capacity.
These are planning targets—not donation checkout amounts—and may adapt as facilities, partners, and implementation details develop.
$20,000
Curriculum, mentors, supplies, workshops, and youth pitch events.
$75,000
Prototype funding, equipment, pop-ups, and expanded mentorship.
$250,000
A permanent incubator for youth and community enterprise.
Program design, timing, enrollment, and services remain subject to funding, facilities, staffing, safety requirements, and formal partner agreements.
Build this pathway with us