LEARNEmpowering Girls Through Entrepreneurship in LA
Bright Idea equips girls in Los Angeles with the skills, confidence, and mindset to build businesses and shape their futures. Through hands-on camps, mentorship from real-world entrepreneurs, and wellness-centered learning, we are helping young women build lasting self-belief and practical knowledge.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
K-12 STEAM education
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
Girls from underserved communities in Los Angeles often lack access to entrepreneurial role models, foundational business education, and safe, creative environments. Without early opportunities to explore leadership and innovation, many never consider these paths. Bright Idea aims to change that by giving girls tools and encouragement at a formative stage in their lives.
Our current focus is on girls ages 13–18, but we plan to expand future programming to include boys through separate, thoughtfully tailored ventures designed to meet their specific needs and perspectives.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
This grant will fund Bright Idea’s flagship entrepreneurship camp for girls ages 13–18 across Los Angeles County. Over one week, participants will explore business fundamentals through real-world experiences—from visiting local markets and businesses to interacting with women founders. The program also includes monthly mentorship sessions, wellness workshops, and a community pitch event. This model is designed to scale and adapt, bringing impactful, youth-centered entrepreneurial education to more communities.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
With Bright Idea's growth, Los Angeles will benefit from a new wave of young women who see themselves as leaders, creators, and contributors to their communities. These girls will launch small businesses, pursue purposeful careers, and become mentors for the next generation. The program’s ripple effect will extend across families, schools, and neighborhoods.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 75
Indirect Impact: 200