News

Program helps teen girls pitch business plans

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A group of teenage girls in Charlotte are being groomed to become tomorrow's leaders through A Girl's Gift -- a program to identify their passions and boost their confidence.

“They are working towards a business-plan competition,” said Ericka Gibson, founder of the nonprofit. "Think ‘Shark Tank’ but we were around before ‘Shark Tank.’”

The girls develop a business plan and pitch it to potential investors as part of the program.

Gibson also works with the girls on education, mentorship, community service and setting goals.

“My job, my goal in life, is to sit with that girl and figure out her goal in life -- figure out what she likes -- what she doesn't like and to help her to get to where she wants to be -- to discover her gift basically,” Gibson said.

Sydney Paraison said the program gets her out of her comfort zone.

“I learned how to find my monthly revenue and what's included in my startup costs,” Paraison said.

Cameryn Reaves discovered how to take a fun hobby and turn it into a product.

“My business is making lanyards that can go on keychains, purses, luggage,” Reaves said.

The girls said coach Gibson brings out the best in them.

“It was a little intimidating and I was scared -- and once I got used to it. It made me want to push myself harder and work harder,” Reaves said. “I didn't want to let her down and I didn't want to let myself down.

Their efforts could pay off on the big day when they share their idea with people who can make it a reality.

“You'd be surprised at the number of people after the girls compete, who contact them and say, ‘How can I help you? What can I do? We want to see you be successful.,” Gibson said.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: