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Episcopal Entrepreneurs Earn Seed Funding through YEA BR

March 12th, 2021

Young Entrepreneurs Academy

Episcopal students continue to have success through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge. Recently, junior Quentin Messer received $500 in seed funding for his business proposal for Modele, and ninth grader Joey Roth was awarded $1,200 for his Chef’s Weigh idea.

YEA BR studentQuentin was inspired to create Modele one day while shopping online. As he scrolled, he says he continued to see the same products over and over. Quentin wanted something unique, which sparked the idea for Modele, which he describes as “an online e-commerce website allowing small fashion brands with unusual products to grow their following while remaining uniquely themselves. It’s an incubator for new fashion companies.”

YEA BR studentA desire to make grandma’s cookies served as the inspiration for Joey’s Chef’s Weigh. He says he would often attempt to bake the treats but could never get them quite right. That’s when he realized that experienced cooks weigh their ingredients. Joey decided to create a scale that would convert recipes from volume to weight so that aspiring cooks would not have to deal with complicated calculations. “It’s less complicated, minimizes waste and produces more consistent results,” he says. Joey will use his seed funding to create prototypes of the scale and the software needed to make it reality.

Despite pandemic restrictions, the YEA BR organizers were able to put together an experience that the students appreciated. Quentin says there were virtual field trips that were still interactive. Both students mentioned that a virtual visit to a McDonald’s franchise was a highlight of the experience. Students took a look behind the scenes, learned more about new technology to optimize the burger business and discussed the corporate culture with the franchise manager.  In addition to virtual field trips, students had the opportunity to learn from LSU business professors and local entrepreneurs. Joey says he particularly enjoyed the opportunity to hear the story of Anne Milneck who established the successful Red Stick Spice Company.

YEA BR students have accomplished much in a short period of time. Not only did Quentin and Joey earn seed funding, but they also registered their business with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office. “It’s so crazy to think I have a business and I’m 14 years old,” says Joey with a smile. Quentin, who says he enjoyed the opportunity to write a business plan and work with a mentor, was equally as excited. “I did this,” he says with a smile. Quentin has advice for anyone considering the YEA BR experience. “100% do it.”
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YEA BR is currently accepting applications. Click here to read more. Click here to read more about Episcopal’s Thomas O’Connor who competed in the national event last year.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.

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Posted in the categories All, Upper School.

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