Just weeks away from the start of another school year, it’s still graduation season for a group of talented young people.
On July 11, 2024, four young interns graduated from the 2024 Summer Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, hosted by Bank of America in partnership with LeMoyne-Owen College and the City of Memphis’ Office of Business Diversity & Compliance.
The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of young entrepreneurs who completed the program designed to equip them with essential business skills.
Launched in 2023, the program targets young entrepreneurs 18-24, helping them grow, scale and build their businesses. Participants were taught how to develop and execute business plans, manage finances, and market their ventures effectively.
This year’s graduates presented their business plans and received certificates of completion. The graduates are:
- Jason Curry – Cottages of Curry Manor
- Briana Craig – Home Haven Properties
- Crystal Johnson – Euphoria Spar & Bar LLC
- Shakira Newson – A Touch of Sparkle Cleaning Company
Trevia Chatman, president of Bank of America Memphis, expressed pride in the graduates’ achievements.
“We are serious about supporting economic opportunity for diverse people and communities,” Chatman said. “We do everything we can to help small business owners grow and realize their dreams. In listening to the approximately 4 million small business clients that we serve, we understand the importance of supporting entrepreneurship, and programs like this are crucial for growing prosperity in our community.
“We are so proud of our graduates, and we wish them much success in their businesses,” she added.
The Summer Youth Employment Program, part of Bank of America’s workforce initiative, partners with nonprofits and mayor’s offices nationwide to introduce youth to various career paths.
The unique focus of the Memphis program is its emphasis on entrepreneurship, made possible through the collaboration between Bank of America, the City of Memphis, and LeMoyne-Owen College.
Bank of America continues to invest in community leadership, working with nonprofit partners, business and civic leaders, and others to drive economic opportunity and upward mobility. In the past year, the bank has provided $1.1 million to 20 nonprofit organizations in Memphis, including Dress for Success Memphis, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis, and MIFA.
The graduation ceremony, attended by LeMoyne-Owen College President Dr. Christopher B. Davis, Bank of America Memphis President Trevia Chatman, and other dignitaries, highlighted the program’s success and its positive impact on the community.