From Roses to Entrepreneurship: Palmetto Artisan Program Empowers Charleston’s Youth to Launch their Own Businesses with Guidance from Mentors

Community Solutions Consultant LLC is working with the city of Charleston to expand the Palmetto Artisan Program, which aims to nurture the creative potential and equip Charleston’s youth with essential business skills for their future. The program has recently undergone a transformation, offering young participants a year-round opportunity to experience running their own businesses with guidance from mentors.

The focus of the program is on developing crucial business skills among participants, such as money management. Parents are also involved in the economic development process, with each participant aiming to establish their own Limited Liability Company (LLC).

Currently, there are 25 participants in the program who can be found setting up shop on weekends at Concord and Calhoun Streets near the South Carolina Aquarium, as well as at the Charleston City Market. The organizers emphasize the importance of ongoing vending opportunities and encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to get involved in the year-round program.

One success story is Zihaire Jackson, who launched his own business called Palmetto Artisan Company through the program. Jackson plans to expand beyond creating roses and offer items like shirts, hoodies, and more with unique logos. The program provides a platform for young people to explore their ingenuity and develop entrepreneurial skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.