Youth entrepreneurship has come a long way since the front yard lemonade stand. Loveworks Leadership students have launched an amazing array of companies; from salsa sold in OKC grocery stores to a tech-startup partnering with Japanese anime characters. And now through Loveworks’ statewide Business Boot Up (BBU) program, kids across Oklahoma can try their hand at entrepreneurship by starting their own businesses.

The statewide BBU initiative will kick off at 9:30am on Saturday, February 26th at The Well in Norman (210 James Garner Ave.) with a ribbon cutting including the Norman and Greater Oklahoma City Chambers of Commerce. The event will also showcase 22 kid-businesses incubated through the BBU program.

“We’ll showcase our most recent student-startups at the launch event, where they’ll sell their products directly to the public,” said Michael Hirsch, Loveworks Leadership Executive Director. “Loveworks has always been about empowering kids to do big things. Now through the expanded BBU program, we’re providing the ultimate in experiential learning…helping kids across Oklahoma lean into their passions and start their own businesses.”

Loveworks will also announce the hire of a BBU Statewide Director, Brent Wheelbarger. Brent is the founder and CEO of Oklahoma City-based Greater OKC Chamber member Trifecta Communications. Trifecta President Armand McCoy is being promoted to CEO and Brent will maintain a role as Trifecta’s Chief Imagination Officer. These changes will allow Brent to lead the Loveworks BBU initiative in a full-time capacity.

“I can’t think of a more exciting opportunity than empowering kids to reach their full potential through entrepreneurship,” said Brent. “We’ll be partnering with school districts, nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and numerous other Oklahoma organizations, bringing BBU to both rural and urban kids across the socioeconomic spectrum. For some participants, this program will be a game changer.”

The BBU program is powered by Loveworks’ online digital platform, providing easy access to interactive curriculum. The program includes built-in sales opportunities, direct mentorship from business leaders, and major statewide “Shark Tank” style pitch events throughout the year.

The February 26th kickoff will also feature a cooking demonstration at 10:30am in conjunction with the Pioneer Library System, showcasing Oklahoma entrepreneur and chef Gabriel Lewis. Lewis was featured on the Gordan Ramsey hit cooking show MasterChef, and now runs several culinary ventures.

“The Loveworks BBU launch will be our first major sales event at The Well,” said Tara Douglas, The Well Director of Community Engagement. “You can buy some great youth created products, learn to cook from a master chef, and get a glimpse at the future of youth entrepreneurialism in Oklahoma. What a great way to experience this incredible new facility.”