Best Buddies in New Hampshire is so excited to announce that we were given a generous donation from the Tiny Businesses Program at Hollis Upper Elementary School (HUES) in February! According to the school website, “Tiny Businesses is a student created program supporting student entrepreneurs! Participating members sell their home-made products during lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays.” Each month, the program donates a portion of its proceeds to a nonprofit organization, and we are so thankful to be selected for this generous contribution. Each donation we receive goes directly to our programs to support inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The Tiny Businesses Program comprises an exceptional ensemble of student entrepreneurs, led by the highly driven Student Leader, Georgia, a 6th grader. Last year, Georgia and her friend came up with the idea to sell handmade products at school and went to Mrs. Donnelly in the HUES Library to ask for help. From there, Georgia developed strategies and processes on recruitment, product brainstorming, and participant applications. She helps participants succeed in the program through running workshops and checking in during lunchtime when they sell. This attention to detail supporting her peers aligns with our mission here at Best Buddies, to foster an inclusive community where everyone can achieve their goals.

Georgia called this program a hobby for her, but Mrs. Donnelly says it’s really a passion project. It is evident that Georgia cares deeply about the success of her peers, and wants to make her community a better place. When asked why Best Buddies was chosen, Georgia made it clear that she had done a lot of thoughtful research and it was not a random choice. She admired how we create opportunities for people with disabilities of all ages, especially because she sees how inclusion could be so beneficial at her own school.

It was truly special to visit HUES Tiny Businesses and interview Georgia, gaining insight into how young students like her can have a significant impact on creating a more inclusive world. We are so thankful for the contribution from this program!