A Holiday Wish for the Future of Young Entrepreneurs (Dec 8, 2025)

“If you believe in giving students real-world experiences that prepare them for their futures, I hope you’ll consider supporting the program—through a donation, sponsorship, or by volunteering as a mentor. Your involvement directly determines how many students we can serve next year.” 

As the holiday season approaches, I’ve been reflecting on the gifts that matter most in my life—they’re usually not ones wrapped in paper, but those that open doors. For me, and for many other students, one of those gifts has been the TiE Young Entrepreneurs program. 

I completed the TYE program two years ago—the community program, because my school didn’t offer TYE in-class—and it changed the way I approach problems and opportunities. With mentors who challenged my assumptions, workshops that walked us step-by-step through customer discovery, financial modeling, and pitching, and access to prototype materials that allowed our team to build and test real solutions, I learned what it actually takes to move an idea from concept to execution. The process was demanding—but it was also the first time I felt like I was learning what it takes to create change in the world. 

That’s why I came back as a student ambassador. Last year, I watched students conduct their own market interviews, build early prototypes, and refine their business models in ways that would impress many adults. Their work is thoughtful, detailed, and grounded in genuine effort. I’ve loved hearing from students who have told me that the TYE community program has been an amazingly valuable experience where they’ve been able to see their ideas shine. 

But this holiday season, we’re facing a difficult reality. Our community program will not run next year without additional support. Funding is essential for everything that makes TYE work: curriculum materials, instructor time, prototype supplies, and the mentors who guide each team. 

If you believe in giving students real-world experiences that prepare them for their futures, I hope you’ll consider supporting the program—through a donation, sponsorship, or by volunteering as a mentor. Your involvement directly determines how many students we can serve next year. 

Thank you for helping us keep this opportunity alive for Portland-area youth.