✍️ By Debbie Balfour | WBN News | May 7, 2025

At just 13 years old, Jaequan Faulkner sparked something bigger than business—he sparked a movement. In the summer of 2018, he launched a small hot dog stand in front of his Minneapolis home, not knowing it would soon capture national attention.

When Jaequan faced a setback after someone reported his unlicensed business, instead of being shut down, the community rallied around him. City officials stepped in, not with penalties, but with permits, equipment, and mentorship. Local organizations guided him through the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, while volunteers and neighbors offered time, support, and publicity.

Even the local police department stepped up, surprising Jaequan with a professional hot dog cart, dramatically upgrading his operation. The message was clear: when a young person takes initiative, it’s our job to lift them up, not tear them down.

Here’s a quick look at that turning point in his journey:

Jaequan’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community support intersects with initiative. But the lesson doesn’t stop there. When young entrepreneurs join networking groups and social media communities, they tap into valuable knowledge, exposure, and peer mentorship. These connections can turn an idea into income and a spark into a movement.

When we invest in each other, whether through encouragement, resources, or connections, we don’t just support a business. We support a future.

Debbie Balfour | Real Estate Investing Success Coach + Podcast Host
📍 Website: www.DebbieBalfour.com
📧 Email: Debbie@DebbieBalfour.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Debbie Balfour
▶️ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@DebbieBalfour

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TAGS: #Community Support #Networking Matters #Youth Business #Entrepreneur Spirit #Support Local Youth #WBNNews Langley #WBN News Abbotsford #Debbie Balfour

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