Successful
Entrepreneurs Who Happen to be Deaf Entrepreneurs
A group of young entrepreneurs
who happen to be deaf entrepreneurs have stolen the show -- and the prizes -- at business
plan competition.
This is the kind of story I love to write.
The judges loved them. The guests
loved them. I have no doubt at all that their competition loved
them.
They were the kids who couldn't do it.
But they did.
The World Bank, in collaboration with local
and international development partners, sponsored the grant competition in
the Philippines. Out of over 1,000 entries, the project entered by
the deaf youngsters became one of the finalists.
The project presents a proposal to help
young deaf people become both more employable, and to become entrepreneurs
in their own right. The micro-businesses that are planned will take
advantage of the skills of some of the older children.
In fact, the group has already opened a Deck
Coffee franchise as its first business venture.
Now, with the prize money in its pocket, it
will continue to expand the opportunities for deaf students.
The world sometimes forgets the
tremendous contributions that all entrepreneurs, including deaf
entrepreneurs, can make to the world of business. This project will bring
real progress to a group that truly deserves it.
Perhaps the most gratifying part of the
story is that the proposal put forth by these kids was voted the People's
Choice during the conference. Each guest at the conference was given
one vote, and this project won, hands down.
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