In Montgomery, Alabama, the AMPS Entrepreneurship and Leadership Institute (AMPS Institute) recently hosted its “Shaping Equity through Conservation” entrepreneurial retreat. The retreat attracted a select group of young minds from a pool of 378 applicants. Only 25 students were chosen to participate in this prestigious three-day event, designed to foster entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving skills within an agricultural and conservation-focused setting.
The retreat provided students with an invaluable opportunity to delve into business fundamentals, led by James Amps, President of the AMPS Institute, and Aymet Chaples, Executive Director. “Our aim is to cultivate an understanding of business operations and to spur creativity,” stated Amps, emphasizing the institute’s mission to empower the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. Supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service ( NRCS ) under the guidance of Vivian Dickson, Director of Equity from the NRCS Office of the Chief, and with significant backing from NRCS Chief Terry Cosby, the retreat emphasized sustainable agricultural solutions, underscoring their importance in today’s environmental landscape.
The pitch competition, supported by the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs under the leadership of Director Stacia Robinson, was a profound success, surpassing our expectations in both scope and influence. Each team presented its business plan to a panel of judges, with awards for first, second, and third place. Winners of the competition received cash prizes of $3,500, $2,500, and $1,000, respectively, providing students with a springboard to further pursue their entrepreneurial ideas.
Reflecting on the transformative experience, Suzanna Calhoun, a former attendee and now a senior ambassador for the program, shared, “The retreat not only deepened my understanding of business operations but also instilled a renewed sense of purpose and leadership within me.”
The retreat has proven to be a gateway to further opportunities, with past participants securing internships with the USDA – NRCS, highlighting the program’s significant real-world impact. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and a nurturing environment, the AMPS Entrepreneurship Institute continues to shape the future by fostering young leaders dedicated to solving pressing issues in conservation and agriculture.
The “Shaping Equity through Conservation” retreat is a testament to the powerful combination of education, leadership, and practical problem-solving that motivates the next generation. By equipping students with the necessary skills and confidence, the AMPS Entrepreneurship and Leadership Institute is nurturing a promising future for these aspiring entrepreneurs in agriculture and conservation.
Aymet Chaples is the Executive Director of the AMPS Entrepreneurship and Leadership Institute and brings over 30 years of experience in successfully leading large non-profits.
post By Aymet Chaples & Abujar sheikh
