Clayton Chamber of Commerce
  • ABOUT
    • OUR STORY
    • STAFF & BOARD
    • COMMITTEES
    • INVESTOR SPOTLIGHT
    • ANNUAL REPORT
    • CCOC NEWS
    • DOING BUSINESS IN CLAYTON
    • SizeUp Johnston County
    • LIVING IN CLAYTON
  • INVEST / APPLY
    • CCOC BENEFITS
    • APPLY HERE
    • CHAMBER U
  • EVENTS
    • CCOC EVENTS
    • COMMUNITY EVENTS
  • MENTORING PROGRAMS
    • INSPIRE
    • STEP
    • LAUNCH JOCO 2023
  • DIRECTORY / LOGIN
    • DIRECTORY
    • LOGIN
  • CLAYTON JOB BOARD
  • CLAYTON CHAMBER FOUNDATION
  • ElevateHER Summit
STEP Purpose.

The Students to Entrepreneurs Program is a program designed to afford sophomore and junior high school budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to participate in a program to bridge the gap between tradition classroom learning and practical application with real world experiences.
​
This is an experiential learning program instilling entrepreneurial and economic principles while connecting high school students with established business leaders.

STEP Vision.

The program will afford young entrepreneurs:
  • A safe and supportive environment to jumpstart ideas
  • An introduction into how to overcome perceived and real barriers
  • A foundation for turning dreams into lifelong pursuits
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Program Outcomes.

For year 1 of the program, 10 students will be selected from Clayton High, Corinth Holders High, and Cleveland High Schools.
  • Selected Students will spend the Spring 2023 Semester and the 2023 Summer (January through August) developing and refining their business concept with the help of a business mentor that will meet with the student individually each month.
  • A business concept can include a product, service, idea, etc.
  • Participants selected will present their concept in a pitch competition judged by a panel of local leaders and business owners in September of 2023.
  • The judges will select a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner, all of which will be awarded cash prizes to help the student continue launching their concept!
  • Participants will also display their concepts at the 2023 Harvest Festival and be voted on by the public to have an opportunity to win the People’s Choice Award.
  • 1st place winner will continue to be mentored as needed for one year following the program.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
MENTOR EXPECTATIONS
  • Have a pre-determined business concept. This can include a product(s) offering, service, idea/experience based business, etc.
  • Fill out a student application, including a parental permission form and letter of recommendation from a school teacher or staff member. 
  • Be available for the full length of the program: January 2023 - October 2023 (with the bulk of the development being completed during the first six months of the program). Time commitment for students will be 10-15 hours a month. 
  • Be able to commit to meeting monthly with your mentor for mentoring sessions, as well as continue developing your business concept on your own in between meetings with your mentor.
  • Set project benchmarks and goals to achieve throughout the program.
  • Be open, responsive and communicative with your mentor.
  • Be prepared to present your business plan to a panel of judges (think "Shark Tank Style") on the Project Pitch Night and at the STEP Showcase at the 2023 Harvest Festival. 
APPLY TO BE A STEP STUDENT >
download Parental Permission form >
  • Fill out a volunteer mentor application (first) then apply for and obtain the level 2 approval status as a Johnston County Schools volunteer (requires background check). This must be renewed annually.
  • Keep steady and consistent communication with the students in order to help them keep their business development process on track (at least once a month one-on-one meetings, plus additional meetings as needed). Time commitment for Mentors is 8-12 hours a month.
  • Commit to maintain the mentoring relationship until the end of the program and on as as needed basis following the program.
  • Agree to remain positive and focused while helping the student work towards their goals.



​
APPLY TO BE A MENTOR >
INFORMATION ON THE JCPS VOLUNTEER APPLICATION >
Important Dates.
​
  • Application open (students and mentors): January 9, 2023
  • Deadline to apply (students and mentors ): February 13, 2023
  • Accepted students will be notified: February 20, 2023
  • ​Full group meeting (all mentors and students together): March 2023
  • Mentor/Student matches announced by: March 2023
  • Student project development stage: February 2023 - August 2023
  • Project Pitch Night: September 2023
  • STEP Showcase at Harvest Festival (all awards announced here): October 28, 2023
Picture

Thank you to our 2023 Annual Sponsor

Picture

2023 Supporting Sponsors

Bailey Insurance Agency
Clayton Steakhouse
DML Siding & Windows, LLC
Tay and Sons Enterprise

A CLAYTON CHAMBER FOUNDATION INITIATIVE

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS, PARTNERS AND VOLUNTEERS THAT MAKE THIS PROGRAM POSSIBLE
LET US KNOW YOU'RE INTERESTED IN SPONSORING STEP >
CCOC Mission Investors.

2023 VISIONARY INVESTORS

Picture
2023 CONNECTOR INVESTORS
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

2023 PILLAR INVESTORS

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Contact CCOC.

TELEPHONE & SOCIAL

(919) 553-6352
SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY EMAILS >

ADDRESS

Clayton Chamber of Commerce
301 E. Main Street
Clayton, NC 27520

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday - Thursday
8:30am - 5:00pm
Fridays
8:30am - 1:00pm

LOGIN | SEARCH FOR A BUSINESS | CONTACT US | UPCOMING EVENTS
Copyright 2022 Clayton Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserves. You may not copy any content without written permission.
Photography by Amanda Underwood of Underwood Creative. You may not use any photograph without written permission.
VIEW CCOC PRIVACY, SECURITY, AND REFUND POLICIES >
  • ABOUT
    • OUR STORY
    • STAFF & BOARD
    • COMMITTEES
    • INVESTOR SPOTLIGHT
    • ANNUAL REPORT
    • CCOC NEWS
    • DOING BUSINESS IN CLAYTON
    • SizeUp Johnston County
    • LIVING IN CLAYTON
  • INVEST / APPLY
    • CCOC BENEFITS
    • APPLY HERE
    • CHAMBER U
  • EVENTS
    • CCOC EVENTS
    • COMMUNITY EVENTS
  • MENTORING PROGRAMS
    • INSPIRE
    • STEP
    • LAUNCH JOCO 2023
  • DIRECTORY / LOGIN
    • DIRECTORY
    • LOGIN
  • CLAYTON JOB BOARD
  • CLAYTON CHAMBER FOUNDATION
  • ElevateHER Summit