Students learn entrepreneurship with leaders' help

MARION, Ill. - Southern Illinois high school students could soon develop their own businesses with help from local leaders.

Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities pairs students with Marion business owners to help young people start and run their own enterprises.

Marion School District board member Brandi Bradley heard of the program's success elsewhere and wanted it in Williamson County.

Craig Lindvahl is founder of the Midland Institute of Entrepreneurship and says the county is a good place for the program. He says it has a vibrant business community, progressive schools and a desire to engage young people.

Watermark Auto Group and Farmers State Bank of Marion matched donations of $10,000 to start the program.

Lindvahl will make presentations in Herrin and Marion on Oct. 28 describing the program.