Instructing the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Students at El Molino High School in Forestville have a unique opportunity during fall. For several weeks, young entrepreneurs study with a business professional to create their first business plan, focused on creating or improving an already existing business. Instructing these students is Evert Fernández, El Molino’s business advisor and a financial and insurance professional for LPL Financial Advisor.
“I’ve been a small business owner for more than 13 years now,” he says. “And I love working with like-minded people. Working with students is a unique opportunity. They come up with some unique solutions and have great ideas about entrepreneurships; I like to help them when I can.”
During the program, juniors and seniors learn from Fernández what it means to realize the vision of owning their own businesses. They draft a plan for financing and sustaining a business by December, which goes to a review board hosted by the parent of the program, The Youth Entrepreneurship Program through Napa College. Awards are given to innovative designs and stable plans.
“We’ve had all kinds of ideas,” Fernández says. “I’ve seen models for pet-sitting, financial consultations, computer consultations and marketing. One student’s parents owned a golf course, and his plan was to improve golf courses.
“There are students in agriculture, culinary arts and all sorts of business fields that are interested in starting their own businesses. This program exists to give them an idea of where to start.”
