FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2026
MainStreet Roanoke Rapids Launches Free Youth Entrepreneurship Program for Local Middle and High School Students
Main Street WaveMakers offers hands-on business training June 8–11, 2026, culminating in a real Youth Market at the Liberty on Main Independence Day Festival
ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — MainStreet Roanoke Rapids is proud to announce Main Street WaveMakers: Youth Entrepreneurs, a free four-day entrepreneurship intensive for rising 7th–10th grade students. The program will be held June 8–11, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Roanoke Rapids City Hall, 1040 Roanoke Ave.
Designed to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, WaveMakers gives young people a real-world foundation in business ownership; from developing an idea and building a brand to presenting to peers and participating in an actual marketplace event. Students who complete the program will have the opportunity to vend at the Youth Market during the Liberty on Main Independence Day Festival at the Kirkwood Adams Community Center.
“This program is about more than business basics. It’s about helping young people in Roanoke Rapids see themselves as leaders and problem-solvers. We want them to walk away believing that entrepreneurship is possible for them, right here in their own community.”
— Ashley Thomas, Main Street Director, MainStreet Roanoke Rapids
What Students Will Experience
Over four days, participants will engage in hands-on sessions covering the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including idea development, basic branding, planning, and presentation skills. The program is designed to be accessible and encouraging, offering a low-pressure environment where students can build confidence and explore their creative potential.
By the end of the program, students will have: developed a business or service concept, built confidence through group activities and discussion, and prepared to share their ideas in a community setting. Breakfast will be provided at this no charge program
Program Details
Dates: June 8–11, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Roanoke Rapids City Hall, 1040 Roanoke Ave., Roanoke Rapids, NC
Eligibility: Rising 7th–10th grade students
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 31, 2026
Apply at: MainStreetRoanokeRapids.com/WaveMakers
Presented in Partnership
Main Street WaveMakers is presented in partnership with the Small Business Center at Halifax Community College and the Innovative Networking Group (ING). These partners bring additional expertise and community support to the program.
About MainStreet Roanoke Rapids
MainStreet Roanoke Rapids is a designated Main Street North Carolina community program under NC Commerce, dedicated to revitalizing and strengthening the historic Main Street District of Roanoke Rapids. Through economic development, design, promotion, and community engagement, the program works to build a thriving downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors.
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