Is it possible to ignite bright ideas at a young age? Twelve year-old Keno Lucas says, “Yes, kid entrepreneurs need opportunities too!”
The KENO Program Micro-Fund, founded in 2009 by Keno Lucas, is on a mission to change the world by teaching them world financial literacy, legacy wealth creation and business stewardship.
Just like most young kids his age, Keno Lucas spends time playing basketball, soccer and video games. But his activities didn’t stop there. His early entry to business has taught him that all play and no work won’t make you a successful businessman.
At five years-old, Keno was selling his artwork online and today at 12-years old he is an integral piece of the mother son team behind the KENO Micro-Fund. “Owning my own business has taught me to be smart about managing and growing my money. I don’t think you are ever too young for those lessons,” said Keno.
Learn how a 12 year-old mogul manages multiple businesses and launched his first ever Entrepreneurship Week this year.
Founder: Keno Lucas, 12
Company: KENO Program Micro-Fund (Kid Entrepreneurs Need Opportunities)
Location: Atlanta
Industry: Business Services
Startup Year: 2009
Startup Costs: $500
How I Got Started:
I started The KENO Micro-Fund to help other kids my age start their own businesses because of everything that I learned about my own business. I have creative arts business (http://www.coolkeno.com). I have a lawn care service, Keno Lawn Services. And I help kid write, market and produce their own music CDs. You can listen to one of my singles which pays tribute to legacy of Black Wall Street by logging on to kenofund.org.
Best Success Story:
From May 14 – 21, 2011, my organization hosted its first Youth Entrepreneurship Week. We wanted to teach young people across the world about business principles and financial literacy. Because of social media, we were able to reach young people as far away as London, England. We had groups host events in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Arizona, Washington, D.C., Virginia and Delaware. We even received notable press coverage in a story about Youth Entrepreneurship Week.
Biggest Startup Challenge:
The biggest start up challenge for me is working to make sure that grown-ups and kids take me seriously.
#1 Tip for Entrepreneurs:
Find a mentor early. Always seek advice, but have your own plan. And understand the power of social media.
Stay connected with the KENO Micro-Fund Program on Twitter.
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