Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Steven Ingrid Boone (SIB) Foundation came to town over the weekend, hosting a two-day event called Business and Basketball Young Entrepreneurs Expo and a 3 vs 3 Basketball Tournament at Dunbar Recreation Center in Greenville. 

Greenville City District 4 Councilman Jae’Ques Brown said he was glad to support such a wonderful endeavor for the youth of Greenville.

 “We are excited to have SIB and share wisdom and tools to our children. We are grateful to have them here,” he said.  

Founder Alexander N. Boone, Jr. said, “We are thrilled to be bringing together two exciting events-basketball and entrepreneurship for this unique and dynamic experience. Our hope is to not only provide entertainment, but also inspire and empower our community’s youth to pursue their passions and dreams. We are here to support the next generation of business leaders and athletes.”

The organization was founded in 2010 to help youth engage in positive activities and experiences and to help them become leaders of tomorrow. Greenville native and SIB co-founder Ty Boone said she thought it very important to bring SIB to her hometown. Boone explained that while SIB addresses the needs of children and young adults statewide, the Black Belt region statistically shows more signs of impoverished and developing communities, which includes Butler County. 

“This is my home,” Boone said. “It is important for me to come back home and share information, while helping to uplift my community.” 

Organizers awarded top prizes in all categories, and every child that participated received an award, in both business and basketball. 

Greenville High School basketball player Kevin (KJ) Johnson, said he had a very good experience at the event. “This is good for the kids. It’s something good and positive,”he said. He said it was also important to note that his team, the Splash Brothers, were the champions.

On Saturday, young entrepreneurs set up and presented their business endeavors to the public, and visitors were able to shop with them. The children sold items, such as handmade jewelry, original art, graphic designs, food, and more. 

There were some proud parents in attendance supporting their young bosses. Conya Powell, mother of three young entrepreneurs, expressed how proud she was of her children’s desire to be business owners.

 “I stand behind them 100 percent,” she said as she displayed her daughter’s handmade doll clothes. 

During the expo, Ty Boone presented young entrepreneurs with vital information on growing their small businesses. She spoke to them about things like grants and loans, financing, opening business accounts, education, and provided additional literary resources for reference. “We want you to know that there are resources available for you, to help support your businesses,” she shared with the group. 

Volunteer Shawn Scott said she really enjoyed helping with the event this weekend. “SIB did a great job,” Scott said. “I hope they continue to come home and make a difference in the lives of the people of Greenville.”

Two leading community outreach programs are Nonprofiting Kids, and CREED (Conflict, Resolution, Excellence, Empowerment, and Determination), serve as the foundation for much of the organization’s work in communities. 

To contact SIB or NonProfiting Kids email them at info@sibyouthfoundation.org