New Program Lures Young Entrepreneurs to Troubled Cities
Original Source: http://www.bnet.com/blog/entry-level/new-program-lures-young-entrepreneu...
When it comes time for promising grads to pick a place to look for their first job and put down tentative roots, some cities obviously have more appeal than others. The hustle of New York or brainy buzz of the Bay Area naturally attract talented young people. But what could induce bright grads to less celebrated cities like Providence, Rhode Island or Detroit, Michigan that are in need of an injection of youthful optimism and energy? (Though in all fairness to Detroit, the NY Times recently reported a surprisingly vibrant youth scene in the rusty city).
A new non-profit has an idea. Modeled on successful teacher placement program Teach for America, Venture for America is a new program that aims to place recent grads interested in a career in entrepreneurship with innovative start-ups in less glamorous locales. The goal is a double win for both the grads, who get a crash course in the trenches of a real business, and the communities who benefit from the cultural lift young people bring. Fast Company explains how it works: