Sponsors of the Future launches inclusive youth enterprise camp in Providence

Sponsors of the Future is opening its Inclusive Enterprise Launchpad this summer in Providence, Rhode Island, with Camp JORI and a network of local and global business partners. The three-day program starts August 10 and is designed to give youth of all abilities hands-on business, life, and leadership skills.

Why it matters: - The Inclusive Enterprise Launchpad is built to give youth of varying abilities practical skills that can support school, work, and the transition into adulthood. - The program also aims to keep the experience accessible through sponsorships, donations, and community support. - SoF says the camp is part of a broader effort to connect businesses, families, and neurodivergent communities through education, advocacy, and inclusion.

What happened: - Sponsors of the Future, a Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is launching the SoF Inclusive Enterprise Launchpad for local youth and families this summer. - The three-day program begins August 10 in Providence, Rhode Island. - SoF is partnering with Camp JORI for the camp experience. - The program includes activities at Camp JORI and CIC Providence, with a Launch Day Showcase on the third day. - Students will present business ideas, products, and career projects to families, mentors, and community partners. - Interested companies, entrepreneurs, and organizational leaders can reserve a spot for the August 11 workshops or the August 12 showcase at the program registration page. - Additional inquiries can be sent to janice@sponsorsofthefuture.org.

The details: - Campers will learn skills including problem solving, team building, financial literacy, marketing, branding, sales, networking, and customer service. - The program includes access to innovators and entrepreneurs at CIC in Providence. - SoF’s founding sponsor, BDMT Global, is leading key skill-building sessions. - Innovators and entrepreneurs will donate products and share professional journeys with campers. - Workshops will feature DIY products and creative art and design activities. - Gumha will teach youth and community members how to create business opportunities through artisan products that blend traditional and contemporary aesthetics. - NailPOP will demonstrate a portable nail art printer that uses a smartphone app to print custom-patterned stickers. - Guest speakers include PopUp Bagels and Bayberry Garden. - PopUp Bagels grew from a backyard kitchen in Connecticut into a national franchise valued at $300 million. - Bayberry Garden will highlight modern hospitality entrepreneurship in Providence’s Innovation District. - Goldman Sachs will provide its free small business growth program through the 10,000 Small Businesses Rhode Island chapter. - An IP lawyer from Feeney Law Group will explain how to protect new business ideas. - A workforce development leader from Polaris MEP will focus on Rhode Island’s manufacturing sector. - Inertia contributed wellness boxes. - Puripot provided portable air purifiers. - Bionet provided Curofit home cholesterol and glucose testing devices for demo use. - Returning supporters include BankNewport, Dave’s Marketplace, D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, Healthtrax, Orange Biomed, and Twisted Pizza. - SoF says those supporters help fund scholarships, educational programs, healthy habits, and other community impact efforts. - Camp JORI is Rhode Island’s premier co-ed overnight and day camp for grades K-10, located on 75 acres on Worden’s Pond in Wakefield. - Camp JORI has operated since 1937 and follows the “TACEO” philosophy, or Taking Care of Each Other.

Between the lines: - The launch blends entrepreneurship training with summer camp programming, which can make business education more accessible and less formal for younger participants. - By pairing local Rhode Island institutions with national and global brands, SoF is building a networked model of support around the program. - The lineup suggests SoF is positioning the camp as both a youth enrichment program and a community showcase for inclusive innovation.

What's next: - The launchpad runs August 10-12 in Providence. - SoF is inviting participants, companies, sponsors, speakers, and volunteers to take part in the program. - Organizers are accepting inquiries by email for more details, support opportunities, and registration. - SoF says future programming will continue building on its prior Life Skills Boot Camp and Career & Skills Camps.