Webinar Series Encourages Small Businesses to Support our Nation̢??‰?s Youth; Help Create Meaningful Opportunities

Washington, DC̢??‰۝Small Business Majority, with Springdale Job Corps as a featured presenter, will launch a webinar series as part of Small Business Majority̢??‰?s national sign-on campaign asking small employers to pledge to create professional opportunities for young people to help bridge the gap between youth who are out of school and out of work, and small businesses having a hard time filling entry-level positions.

This series is open to all small businesses across the country and is free to attend.

̢???It is important for small business owners to know that helping young people and making a profit are not mutually exclusive,̢???? said Jarvez Hall, Workforce Initiatives Manager for Small Business Majority. ̢???Small business owners from across the country have pledged their commitment to expanding opportunities for today̢??‰?s youth. As a result, many have benefited from new sources of skilled entry-level talent.̢????

Nearly five years have passed since the end of the Great Recession, yet 6 million young Americans are unemployed̢??‰۝a staggering number that negatively affects economic demand. At the same time, small employers are struggling to fill job vacancies that are critical to both individual company success and overall economic growth. In fact, some 40 percent of American employers cite lack of skills as the main reason for entry-level vacancies.

Small Business Majority̢??‰?s campaign aims to help solve this problem by getting small businesses̢??‰۝our No. 1 job creators̢??‰۝involved in helping develop entry-level talent, expand opportunities for youth who are out of school and out of work, and invest in our communities.

̢???We are excited to be a part of this webinar series and provide information to small business owners about how to create opportunities for young people.̢???? said Naomi Ulsted, Director of Springdale Job Corps. ̢???We want to partner with small business owners to contribute to their success and increase employment for our young adults.̢????

This webinar series will discuss how small business owners can be a part of the solution to this problem. Specifically, the webinar will discuss:

• How youth unemployment affects the economy and local communities
• How small businesses can be part of the solution
• How small businesses can incorporate direct youth hires, internships, apprenticeships, mentorships and job shadow programs into their daily business

A question and answer period will follow the discussion. To view or sign the pledge, please visit: www.smallbiz4youth.com.

Webinar dates, times and registration links are as follows:

September 19, 2014 at 9am PT

https://cc.readytalk.com/r/asipcnn31342&eom

September 30, 2014 at 1pm PT

https://cc.readytalk.com/r/nmm4pt1jxa4m&eom

October 8, 2014 at 9am PT

https://cc.readytalk.com/r/94pnp6mhk38j&eom

October 23. 2014 at Noon PT

https://cc.readytalk.com/r/dzk1ytdx14h5&eom

To schedule an interview with a small business owner who signed the pledge or a representative from Small Business Majority, contact Kelsey Bye at [email protected] or (202) 289-0957.