Growing up, Marshawn Lynch, an Oakland native, didn’t feel he gained the necessary experience to build his own business. Now back in his hometown with the Oakland Raiders, he has partnered with Shopify to ensure current Bay Area teens don’t suffer the same fate.
Shopify, a cloud-based commerce platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, got together with Lynch to create “BEASTMODE-A-Business.” Over a three-day period, 30 students attended workshops at Oakland Technical High School to learn the ins-and-outs of starting their own businesses.
#Raiders @MoneyLynch partnered with @Shopify to teach entrepreneurial skills to #BayArea teens with #BeastModeABusiness #winning #givingback pic.twitter.com/qEW3h7P6N4
— Rebecca Otto (@RebeccaKOtto) July 17, 2017
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Students listened to speakers from Hingeto and Bold Commerce, with the latter teaching them how to use Shopify apps to aid in running a streamlined business. They were taught key business skills and educated in technical areas such as SEO and geofencing, app development and Bluetooth technology.
When all was said and done, the students had an opportunity to build their very own businesses using the Shopify platform. Their startups were put to the test as each pitched their idea to Lynch, Shopify and New York Giants quarterback Josh Johnson.
Said Lynch on the program, “I wanted to extend what I have been able to teach kids from my neighborhood on the football field and give them more skills that empower them to believe that anything is possible.”
“I started my first company when I was 13 years old and what I learned from that experience has shaped who I am today – both personally and professionally,” Shopify COO said Harley Finkelstein in a statement. “I believe that teaching these students the skills and mindset they need to start their own entrepreneurial journey is an experience that will help them throughout their lives and careers.”
Simone Hufana and Mathew Galvez were announced as winners of “BEASTMODE-A-Business.” Each received Shopify Basic for three years, an opportunity to have their pop-up store hosted by Beast Mode Apparel in Oakland, deskspace at Hingeto and much more. They will also continue receiving product design and full marketing setup support.