The generosity of supporters truly ignited opportunity Saturday April 16th in Design District of Miami by raising a total of $166,000 to support NFTE programs in Broward and Dade Counties. The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) provides programs that inspire young people from low-income communities to stay in school, recognize business opportunities, and plan for successful futures. This event celebrated the tenth anniversary of NFTE South Florida during which time 33,000 students have been enrolled. 
When young people from low-income communities are given the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship, their innate “street smarts” develop into “business smarts”. Through entrepreneurship they discover what they learn in the classroom is relevant to the real world, and an entrepreneurial mindset gives them the tools and attitude to overcome adversity and address future challenges.
A special shout out to Alice Horne, the executive director, to whom much of the growth and success of NFTE So. Florida belongs. She and the news anchor of Miami’s NBC affiliate Channel 6, Eric Harryman, served as Master of Ceremonies. Recognition was given to Chef Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, the Foodpreneur of the Year, and Andres Moreno, CEO of Open English, the Techpreneur of the Year.
Everyone is encouraged to join these young entrepreneurs at eMerge Americas, Miami Beach Convention Center, to support NFTE alumni in competition for seed capital at the Ignite Opportunity Start It Up Challenge on Tues., April 19th 9-10:30 AM. Your editor was in attendance and attest how nice were the people, how enjoyable the event, and how worthy a cause.