Youth Venture

1. Evaluate Solely Based on Youth Venture Criteria. As a panelist, you are assessing young people’s preparedness to become Youth Venturers. Will the idea make a difference in the community? Is the Venture youth-led? Is there a solid Venture plan? Are an Ally and a team of youth involved? Is the Venture designed to be ongoing? Do the youth convey the energy, ethics, and commitment necessary to succeed? If young people meet these requirements, they are ready to begin.

2. Assess Individually. Venture teams are not in competition. The Selection Panel should select every team that proves its readiness to become a Youth Venture Team. Assess each presentation based on the YV criteria, not on comparisons.

3. Understand the Presenters. Recognize that YV presenters might have never given a presentation like this before. They have worked hard as a team to develop their plan and prepare for the panel. At the Selection Panel, they are under pressure and may take some time to articulate their ideas. The Selection Panel itself provides a learning opportunity for them. Give them the support they need to convey their Venture plan as clearly as possible.

4. Listen to the Spoken and the Unspoken Word. Look for what is and is not mentioned by presenters. As best as you can, try to understand what the young people wish to convey. Be on the lookout for unmentioned items, and consider these when evaluating where the Venture Team needs additional guidance.

5. Carefully Consider Presentations. If the potential Ventures do not meet Youth Venture’s criteria, find a way to respect the presenters’ efforts and ambitions, while encouraging them to continue working. Let them know where your concerns lie and invite them to present again at the next panel. Above all, recognize their interest and be supportive of their work.

6. Remember Your Role. You were selected to evaluate the presentation provided. The youth and their Ally are responsible for developing a Venture idea that reflects the strengths, passions, and creativity of the Venturers, and for the management and marketing behind the Venture. It is your role to determine whether they are prepared to begin operations.

7. Avoid Instruction. Youth Venture is committed to enabling young people to lead, while providing the support of others to assist as needed. It is important to convey constructive comments in a way that guides the team without instructing or demanding.

8. Evaluate Team Budgets. Youth Venture grants can only be used to fund start up costs crucial to the team’s success, and teams should have made efforts to keep costs as low as possible. Teams requesting financial support are expected to raise a portion of the start-up budget themselves. In determining the amount of seed money Youth Venture will provide, panelists should review the team’s budget to determine whether efforts have been made to raise outside funding. Use the team’s budget, the Youth Venture Funding Guidelines, or consult the Selection Panel moderator to decide on a fair amount that ensures YV support and the continued commitment of the Venture Team.

9. Be Creative. If a team meets all of the criteria despite minor concerns, be creative about addressing these concerns as a panel. Maybe you will list provisions required before becoming Youth Venturers. Maybe a Venture Team will be selected, but will only receive partial funding until they meet goals that they have specified in their plan. Use your expertise as panelists to find a way to support young people, while doing your best to ensure the Venture’s success.

10. Ask Questions. Your concerns are vital to the selection process. Do not assume that presenters have neglected an issue simply because it was not addressed. They are under time constraints and might not have placed enough emphasis on an area you think is important. When in doubt, ask questions.