Megan Walsh, the founder and CEO of Grapevine-based Grandma's Goodies, has developed and perfected her product, set short- and long-term business goals, conducted market research and projected her average monthly operating costs in preparation of launching her product by the end of the year. One other fact: She is 12 years old. In 2012 the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce enrolled 16 students into the founding class of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA!, a program for 11-to-18-year-old students in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD that puts students through the process of developing their big idea. The 30-week course is structured so students receive weekly instruction on how to get their businesses running while also getting to interact with local entrepreneurs and business owners for field trips, guest lectures and hands-on experience. In addition each student is paired with a business mentor from the community who helps the student in a one-on-one capacity should he or she have specific questions or needs that the course does not cover. YEA! was founded as a college class at the University of Rochester in 2004. In 2008 the program gained enough stability to move into the high school setting and become available to students throughout the nation. "The chamber chose to start YEA! because it provided the chamber the opportunity to encourage entrepreneurism for our future community leaders," said Mary Jo Tellin, director of program development for the chamber. "It allows students the opportunity to make their dreams a reality." Students are even required to pitch their business to a panel of investors. The students have six minutes to sway investors to buy into the business. YEA! is open to any student at least 11 years old that is being home-schooled, attends GCISD, iUniversity Prep or Collegiate Academy. Call the Colleyville Chamber at 817-488-7148 for more information.