What happens when young people are given six weeks to turn an idea into a business?

At Mercy Housing Southeast’s DREAM Summer Camp, they rose to the challenge.

This summer, middle and high school students at Terraces at Parkview Apartments participated in a six-week entrepreneurship experience designed to help them Dream: Rise, Excel, Aspire and Make It Happen. Students began by identifying needs and opportunities around them and then worked to transform their ideas into business concepts of their own.

Along the way, they learned that a great idea is only the beginning.

Campers conducted market research, identified potential customers, developed financial plans, considered costs and competition, and practiced communicating their ideas with confidence. The experience brought together financial literacy, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and public speaking, skills that can serve young people well beyond the summer.

On July 9, their hard work culminated in the “DREAM Shark Tank Business Plan Showcase”.

Nine young entrepreneurs stepped forward to pitch businesses ranging from fashion and food to pet services, sports, and ideas designed to strengthen their communities. A panel of Mercy Housing Southeast Resident Services professionals evaluated each presentation and offered constructive feedback to help students continue developing their ideas.

Elijah took first place with “Sketch & Story”, a creative concept judges recognized for its potential to encourage creativity and build self-esteem among youth and adults. Malik earned second place with “APEX Shift”, impressing judges with his market awareness, business planning and presentation skills. Third place was shared by Janell’s “GirlTalk”, a youth-centered concept addressing issues including self-esteem and family concerns, and Ryan’s’ “Paws in Progress”, a practical business concept backed by thoughtful pricing and customer-acquisition strategies.

         
But the biggest win wasn’t a first-, second- or third-place finish.

It was watching young people stand before an unfamiliar audience, explain an idea they had built from the ground up, answer questions about their plans and walk away with feedback to make those ideas stronger.
At Mercy Housing Southeast, affordable housing is the foundation, but our work extends beyond a place to live. Through Resident Services programs like DREAM Summer Camp, young residents have opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills and begin imagining what is possible for their futures.

This summer, they didn’t just learn about entrepreneurship.

They learned that their ideas are worth developing, their voices are worth hearing, and they have what it takes to make something happen.