Kick Off the New Year with Us!


Hello and Happy New Year!

We at The Bennett Center hope your holidays were safe, enjoyable, and full of wonderful memories. With the New Year comes the opportunity for fresh adventures in your business!

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to start planning your quarters and setting goals for success. Whether you're fine-tuning your business plan or just starting to explore your ideas, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

We are also thrilled to launch the Bennett Center Buzz, our new hub for empowering young innovators! This newsletter will keep you informed, inspired, and connected with resources, success stories, and upcoming opportunities to help you and your business thrive.


Check out what's new in this edition:

  • News Channel 3 spotlights The Bennett Center
  • Upcoming events for the first quarter.
  • Vender Opportunities
  • Buzz Spotlight
  • Tips for Supporting Your Youth Entrepreneur

News Channel 3 Spotlights The Bennett Center

The Bennett Center is making a significant impact in the community – "We're talking about generational change, not just for the moment but for a lifetime." - Alasha Bennett (Founder)


We were so excited to have the organization highlighted by Beverly Kidd of WTKR. Included in the interview was some of our shining stars Eli Mackey of Adventure Time Eli and Evie Ellis Shaw of Abstract Impact.

If you haven't yet, you can watch the interview and read the article by clicking the button below!


Our Program is Starting Again!

Vision to Impact

Discovering and Launching Your Vision

This 12-week foundational track is designed for youth who are ready to explore entrepreneurship, whether they already have a business idea or are starting from scratch.

Participants will learn the essentials of entrepreneurship through engaging lessons, hands-on activities and mentorship. Participants will leave with a ready-to-launch business or a fully developed plan to bring their vision to life.


Buzz Spotlight

"There is always an adventure around the corner."
At just 12 years old, Elijah Mackey is making waves in the world of youth entrepreneurship with his business, Adventure Time Eli! A passionate author, speaker, and nature enthusiast, Eli has already published his book Turtle Tales, a captivating guide to turtles and terrapins in North America. His love for nature has taken him to the Virginia Zoo, Virginia Living Museum, and Portsmouth Children's Museum, where he shares his knowledge and inspires others to appreciate the natural world.

Want to be spotlighted next?

Click the link below to enter your information for a chance to be the next Buzzz Spotlight.

Upcoming Events for The Bennett Center:


MAR 8 - Dave & Busters Fundraiser

701 Lynnhaven Pkwy Suite G19 • 11:00AM - 1:00PM

Join us for a fun-filled family day at Dave & Buster's, where games meet giving back! Bring your friends, family, or both! Let’s play, support a great cause, and make lasting memories together.

You can purchase your $10 or $20 Power Cards through the link below! Proceeds go directly to The Bennett Center to help us continue our mission of helping whole families out of poverty.

Vendor Opportunities

Looking for vendor opportunities? The Bennett Center has vendor spots open for the following upcoming events.


JUN 14 - The Kidpreneur Expo of Richmond

Greater Richmond Convention Center • 10:00am - 3:00pm

Our Annual Kidpreneur Expo has expanded to Richmond, VA! We are currently looking for vendors who would like to participate. If you or someone you know would be interested, you can apply at the link below!


AUG 2 - The Kidpreneur Expo of Hampton Roads

Hampton Roads Convention Center • 10:00am - 3:00pm
Our Annual Kidpreneur Expo is coming soon and we need outstanding vendors! If you would like to participate or know someone who would be interested, please apply at the link below!


Tip for Parents of Kidpreneurs:

3 Ways to Create Balance When Running a Business

Starting a new business is incredibly exciting, especially when sales start rolling in and success feels within reach. As parents, it’s natural to want to keep the momentum going, but it’s important to consider the long-term effects on both your child and yourself.

While business is important, remember that your kidpreneur is still a child. Balancing business, school, and home life can lead to burnout—for them and for you. Take time to step out of the business mindset and enjoy activities unrelated to their entrepreneurial journey.

The ultimate goal isn’t just to make quick profits—it’s to build a sustainable, lasting business that grows with them. By prioritizing balance and well-being, you’re setting the foundation for long-term success.

Let’s focus on creating a legacy, not just a moment of success!

  • Schedule Family Downtime:
    Set aside dedicated time each week for family activities that have nothing to do with the business. Whether it’s game night, a movie marathon, or a day at the park, these moments allow your child to recharge and reconnect with family life outside of their entrepreneurial responsibilities.
  • Encourage Hobbies and Play:
    Make sure your kidpreneur has time to explore hobbies or activities they enjoy purely for fun. Whether it’s sports, art, or just playing with friends, these experiences help them stay grounded and charges their creativity.
  • Set Clear Work Hours:
    Treat their business like a part-time job by setting clear work hours and sticking to them. Outside those hours, focus on school, rest, and play. This helps establish boundaries and prevents business tasks from taking over their entire day.

Invest in Empowering Families- Donate Today!

We’re passionate about our mission, and your donations help us go even further. Support us in empowering families to build lasting financial freedom!


“The goal of The Bennett Center is to close the gap of poverty.”

— Alasha Bennett (Founder)

3009 Elliott Ave Portsmouth, VA 23702
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