Where Students Build What's Next
Empowering the next generation of student entrepreneurs.
VentureWise bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world execution through student-led venture development.
About VentureWise
In Franklin County, VentureWise is reshaping how high school seniors view entrepreneurship and leadership.
In partnership with Rend Lake College, this initiative brings together students from local school districts for a hands-on experience in business development. By the end of the year, students launch their own businesses, showcased at a spring expo.
How VentureWise Works
Discovery
Identify systemic problems and validate solutions through intensive market research and customer discovery sprints.
Launch
Build MVPs with seed funding and technical support. Test in the real world with actual users and stakeholders.
Impact
Scale operations and measure social/economic impact. Transition into the alumni mentor network for the next cohort.
Real-World Outcomes
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Institutional Credibility
Gain access to college level resources, working lab experiences and intellectual property support.
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Growth Opportunities
Gain knowledge and skillsets to advance career/entrepreneurial endeavors.
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Network Equity
Connect with alumni and industry leaders to build valuable and necessary relationships.
Alumni Success Stories
See how our former students have taken the principles of VentureWise to launch their own successful careers and ventures.
Kinsey Vanwey
Class of 2019
As a member of the inaugural year, Kinsey went on to graduate from SIU Carbondale and is now employed by the Franklin/Williamson Regional Office of Education.
Isaiah Edgell
Class of 2019
Part of the first class, Isaiah graduated from the Rend Lake College Barber School and now works at Burg's Hair Salon in West Frankfort, IL. He also serves as president of the board.
Ava Hollis
Class of 2023
Ava launched one of the first permanent jewelry businesses in Southern Illinois during her time in the program. Now a student at Grand Canyon University, she continues to grow and expand her business, For Good Permanent Jewelry.
Layne Tindle
Class of 2024
Layne brought her existing baking business, Layne's Shortbakes, to the program with the goal of building, growing, and better understanding her entrepreneurial path. She currently attends Southern Illinois University, Carbondale while continuing to develop her business.
Henry Meinert
Class of 2024
A natural entrepreneur, Henry has grown HC Meinert Enterprises LLC to encompass a variety of agricultural ventures, as well as purchasing and flipping his first two homes. He is finishing his studies at Rend Lake College as student trustee while exploring new opportunities to expand his business endeavors and finish his degree at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Invest in the Next Generation
Your contribution provides essential seed funding and resources for our student entrepreneurs. Corporate and individual donations are fully tax-deductible.