Former President Barack Obama knows Jahkil Jackson’s name. Soon you will too. Jackson, a 10-year-old young entrepreneur from the south side of Chicago, is on a mission to help those in need. He created his organization Project I Am when he was just eight-years-old. Project I Am is designed to bring greater awareness to the growing issue of homelessness around the world.
10-Year-Old Entrepreneur Creates Business to Help the Homeless
To help the homeless on the most human and essential level, Jackson created an endeavor known as Blessing Bags. These bags are filled with toiletries like soap, toothpaste, socks, and hand sanitizer, and are designed to help the homeless fill some of their most basic needs. The donations come from local schools, businesses, and fundraisers set up by Jackson himself. So far Jackson has given out over 7,000 Blessing Bags, including to victims of recent natural disasters like the hurricanes damaging Florida, Puerto Rico, and Houston, Texas.
As a social entrepreneur and a human being, Jackson has accomplished so much at a young age, and he has some excellent advice for anyone of any age wanting to follow in his entrepreneurial footsteps:
1. “Figure out what you are passionate about, the change you would like to make, and how you can potentially make it into a business.”
2. “Figure out who your market is, and take baby steps.”
3. “I suggest they build a website so that people can learn about you and your mission.”
4. “Be prepared to work hard.”
In the future, Jackson would like to expand his Blessing Bags to include information pamphlets about doctors, shelters, and job training. He wants to be “part of the solution to end homelessness” and he is well on his way.
I am in awe of everything Jahkil is doing, and so inspired by his kindness and generosity at such a young age. How are you planning to help the homeless? Tweet me @lorenridinger and let’s brainstorm together.
Discover more about this phenomenal young entrepreneur here.
