“Welcome to your incredible journey!”
Welcome to the 2024-25 Kankakee County CEO class!

WHAT IS CEO?
The CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program is a transformative, year-long experience for high school juniors and seniors worth two high school credits. Designed to teach students the essentials of entrepreneurship and 21st-century skills, the program equips participants with vital abilities in problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, preparing them to become future entrepreneurs.

Key components of the program include:
--Daily Meetings: Students meet for 90 minutes each day, Monday through Friday, to plan their businesses, visit local businesses, and engage with business leaders.
--Group Businesses: In the fall, students launch two group businesses, learning how to identify opportunities, secure funding, and manage operations.
--Mentorship: Each student is paired with a mentor from the business community, offering personalized guidance and support.
--Guest Speakers: The program hosts 30–40 guest speakers annually, providing insights and inspiration from experienced professionals.
--Business Visits: CEO students visit approximately 30 businesses annually, experiencing firsthand what it takes to run a successful business or community organization.
--Trade Show: An annual trade show later in the spring allows students to showcase their businesses to the community.

The program is powered by the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship and supported by business and community investors. Our first "home base" conference room is at Kankakee Community College and we greatly appreciate kicking off the year in this incredible space - thank you!

Follow us on our Facebook page and website to follow the journey of these young entrepreneurs and future leaders from Kankakee School District 111 and Momence Community High School. It’s going to be a great year!

8/26/24