Special to
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Students from the River Region Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) were recently introduced to Henri Dufresne from Dufresne Law Firm, who spoke to the class about what legal issues to consider when starting a small business.

Students listened as he explored the legal implications on everything from their business names to its structure and operations. The goal of the visit was to discuss the legal concerns an entrepreneur should address before starting a business.

“I appreciate the opportunity to speak to such a great group of young, talented and ambitious individuals,” Dufresne said. “I look forward to seeing growth and success of their businesses and themselves.”

As part of the YEA! program, students are introduced to all facets of the business world, including advertising, insurance agents, graphic designers, web developers and more.

Over the course of this year’s YEA! program, nine students will launch nine businesses.

As a non-profit organization, YEA! relies on the generosity of the community and of sponsors; people who identify with entrepreneurship and want to help pave the way for the future business leaders of tomorrow.

“YEA! strengthens the community, and the community strengthens YEA!,” said Gayle Jagel, founder and CEO of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. “Our program managers and instructors seek out people in every facet of the business community in order to help facilitate the creation of our student’s dreams into a reality.”

During the course of the nine-month program, more than 15 local businesses become involved at various levels. Students work in close cooperation with local business leaders, community leaders and educators who use their personal experiences to demonstrate how to transform ideas into tangible enterprises that create economic and social value.