A smart pet deterrent system and customizable copper charm bracelets designed to alleviate arthritis pain were just some of the product ideas ten young entrepreneurs pitched during a Shark Tank Jr., event marking the culmination of Chicago Youth Advancement Initiative’s (CYAI) business and entrepreneurship program. The ten entrepreneurs, ages 9-12, participated in the 10-week program through Chicago Youth Centers’ (CYC) Sidney Epstein Center. The April 11 event featured pitches to a panel of community judges, followed by a Q&A session with both judges and the audience. The judges evaluated each pitch based on creativity, market potential, presentation skills, teamwork, and financial knowledge, awarding gold, silver, and bronze prizes. A total of $500 in prize money, generously donated by Wintrust Bank & Trust, was distributed among the participants. The program began in January and provided students with comprehensive lessons in financial literacy and business fundamentals through interactive games and engaging activities. The Chicago Youth Advancement Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created last year by high school students Michael Francis, Nick Derbis, and Maclane Zich, all current juniors at Benet Academy in Lisle. For more information about CYAI, please visit cyaichicago.org

Photo Credit: Chicago Youth Centers