The Best and The Brightest of 2023
Nathaniel
George
Age 16 | Junior
Brophy College Preparatory
Phoenix
Brophy College Preparatory
Phoenix
Nathaniel George founded the Young Entrepreneurs Club at Brophy. During this time, he also participated in JA Inspire, an online career exploration program, and visited StartUpPhx housed at the Burton Barr Library to learn more about resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
“I remember feeling a little disheartened that everything at the library was for adults,” said George. “There were not any resources for young entrepreneurs. That’s when I realized I could create something to help other teens.”
In 2022, Nate created The Cactus Flower Initiative for Youth Entrepreneurship. He approached the ASU J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, Junior Achievement of Arizona and the City of Phoenix about creating more resources for students interested in business and entrepreneurship. He pitched his idea to the library and now partners with StartUpPhx to offer additional resources and perspectives to many of their programs such as their Small Business Expo, their summer Business Roadmap Series for youth and their Pitch-a-Pallooza event. He is also on the Burton Barr Library Teen Advisory Council.
“Entrepreneurship has been reserved for adults for a long time,” said George. “Entering this field as a young person was challenging. But I have realized the power of my voice as a young person in motivating and empowering others to create change. My determination and drive to succeed has allowed me to learn new skills and gain more confidence.”
George is extremely involved in his school and community. He serves as Head of Writing for Brophy Literary Arts Magazine, Vice President of the Brophy Stock Market Club, Vice President for Dignity Club, and Director of social media for Brophy’s Indian Subcontinental Student Union. Locally he volunteers with Andre House and the Gift of Mary Homeless Shelter. He is an active member of the Brophy chapter of Best Buddies, which works to create friendships and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. He also serves as a Junior Achievement Young Ambassador, helping at fundraisers and events.
The Cactus Flower Initiative for Youth Entrepreneurship hopes to one day create legislation focused on youth entrepreneurship in Arizona. Nate is currently working with Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee to create a “Youth Entrepreneur Day” in Arizona and plans to study business or entrepreneurship in college.
“I remember feeling a little disheartened that everything at the library was for adults,” said George. “There were not any resources for young entrepreneurs. That’s when I realized I could create something to help other teens.”
In 2022, Nate created The Cactus Flower Initiative for Youth Entrepreneurship. He approached the ASU J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, Junior Achievement of Arizona and the City of Phoenix about creating more resources for students interested in business and entrepreneurship. He pitched his idea to the library and now partners with StartUpPhx to offer additional resources and perspectives to many of their programs such as their Small Business Expo, their summer Business Roadmap Series for youth and their Pitch-a-Pallooza event. He is also on the Burton Barr Library Teen Advisory Council.
“Entrepreneurship has been reserved for adults for a long time,” said George. “Entering this field as a young person was challenging. But I have realized the power of my voice as a young person in motivating and empowering others to create change. My determination and drive to succeed has allowed me to learn new skills and gain more confidence.”
George is extremely involved in his school and community. He serves as Head of Writing for Brophy Literary Arts Magazine, Vice President of the Brophy Stock Market Club, Vice President for Dignity Club, and Director of social media for Brophy’s Indian Subcontinental Student Union. Locally he volunteers with Andre House and the Gift of Mary Homeless Shelter. He is an active member of the Brophy chapter of Best Buddies, which works to create friendships and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. He also serves as a Junior Achievement Young Ambassador, helping at fundraisers and events.
The Cactus Flower Initiative for Youth Entrepreneurship hopes to one day create legislation focused on youth entrepreneurship in Arizona. Nate is currently working with Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee to create a “Youth Entrepreneur Day” in Arizona and plans to study business or entrepreneurship in college.
